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VLMAGRO, CHARLES, AND THE GIRLS, DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN IN THE 


SKIN SLEDGE. 


ADVENTUEES, 

I 

WANDERINGS AND SUEFERINGS 


OF THE 

MERTON FAMILY; 


OB) 


LIFE SCENES AMONG THE SOUTH AMERICAN 
INDIANS. 


ANNE BOWMAN 

AXtTHOE OF “LAURA TEMPLE.” “TRAVELS OP R0LAin)0,’* ETC. 


Tbroagh tangled forests, and through dangerous ways, 
Where beasts with man divided empire claim, 

And the brown Indian marks with laurderous aim.” 

Goldsmith. 


PHILADELPHIA ; 

QUAKER CITY PUBLISHING HOUSE, 

927 SANSOM STREET. 

1868. 


* ^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by 
DUANE RULISON, 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for th« 
Aatstern District of Pennsylvania. 




V t 


PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION 


Thb value of any work cannot be too highly estimated, which 
is written in a proper manner, and is calculated by the tone and 
spirit which characterize it to promote the cause of morality, 
while it interests the reader by the thrilling and exciting scenes 
which it describes. 

This remark applies with superior force to the volume here 
offered to the reader. In its pages will be found a narrative of 
some of the most interesting and thrilling scenes which have 
ever been recorded in history. The reader is first introduced 
to a quiet and happy home in England ; after which, he is in- 
formed how that home was broken up by misfortune ; how its 
pious inmates were induced to seek a refuge in a distant coun- 
try of the New World ; how they were compelled to land on 
an uninhabited shore; to journey over rugged mountains; to 
come in contact with savage Indians, and many other adven- 
tures and experiences of the most thrilling interest. 

In this extraordinary volume almost every variety of incident 
is introduced, possessing the most varied species of attraction. 
The striking wonders of natural scenery in South America, in- 
cluding the sublimities of the towering Andes ; the beauties of 
the leafy wood, and flowing river, and the rushing cataract ; the 
wide expanse of the pampas ; and the loveliness of fertile and 
blooming valleys, are all described with impressive effect. The 

(iii) 


iv 


PREFACE. 


animated works of creation, also, the singular birds of that 
country, its wild deer, its fierce jaguars, its untamed buffaloes, 
its colossal serpents, are all described. In addition to all 
this, the reader will find rare and impressive descriptions of In- 
dian life, and of the peculiarities of those remote tribes of South 
American aborigines, which have remained till the present day 
unsubdued by the invading races of Europe. Fierce and deadly 
battles with them are ably depicted ; alarms from Indian treach- 
ery and sudden surprises are glowingly described ; and the 
mind of the reader is carried away to behold far distant scenes 
of thrilling interest, with the same clearness and distinctive- 
ness, as if they passed in reality before his immediate vision. 

Nor does the powerful charm of this work cease here. It 
possesses still additional beauties ; for it narrates with great 
force and pathos the experiences and vicissitudes of the tender 
passion ; shows how powerful and all-conquering is love, in all 
climes and countries ; and delights us with attractive pictures 
of its pure and innocent enjoyments. Few books have ever 
been written with more intense power and beauty than the one 
herewith presented. /• 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER I. 

The Merton Family. Vicissitudes of Fortune. Plan of Emigration, 
London. The Zoological Gardens . — Page 11-24. 

CHAPTER TI. 

The Family leave England. Introduction to Dr. Lewis. Arrival at 
Madeira. The Southern Cross. Rio Janeiro. Visit to the 
country house of Don Alvarez. Departure from Rio Janeiro, — 
Page 25-33. 


CHAPTER III. 

Continuation of the voyage. Porpoises. Cape Horn, The mutiny. 
Dr. Lewis obtains the promise of liberty for his friends. They are 
put out to sea in an open boat. Perilous voyage on an unknown 
sea. Landing on a rocky coast . — Page 33-44. 

CHAPTER IV. 

The gloomy Shores below the Andes. The Cave of Refuge. Domes- 
tic Arrangement. The Morning Survey. The failure of Provisions, 
The Fishing Expedition. Shooting in the Woods. The Water-fowl. 
The Return of the Fishing Party . — Page 44-54. 

CHAPTER V. 

The Sea or the Mountains ? A second Exploring Voyage. Canni- 
bals of South America. A walk up the Banks of the River. The 
Wild Goose. The Potato. The Voyage determined on. Visit of 
the Indians. Loss of the Boat. Proposed Flight . — Page 54-65. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER VI. 

The Departure. The Lasso and Bolas, The Ascent through the 
Mountain Forests. The Parrots. Strawberries. The Guanaco 
and Condor, Failure of Provisions . — Page 65-75. 


CHAPTER VII. 

Loss of one of the Horses. Jack’s Expedition through the Woods, 
followed by Dr. Lewis, Extraordinary Meeting with a stranger. 
The hut in the Wilderness, The family assembled. Commence- 
ment of Almagro’s Story , — Page 76-86, 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Continuation of Almagro’s Story. The Dwellings and Habits of the 
Araucanians. The Death of the Toqui, and the Flight of Almagro 
and Carielpa. The Burning Mountain. Escape to the Mountains, 
and the Birth of Zara. The Fatal Visit of the Indians, and Death 
of Carielpa. The Wanderings of Almagro. Conclusion of his 
Story. Plan of Crossing the Andes. The Earthquake, and its Con- 
sequences. Jack’s Expedition to survey the Ruins . — Page 87-98. 


CHAPTER IX. 

Charles follows Jack. Melancholy effects of the Earthquake. Re- 
?aage from the Hut. Commencement of the Ascent. Bridge-build- 
L ; The Bearded Bird. Return of Niger. The Lake among the 
Moyj. ^ins. The Snowy Region and its Privations. The Pass. — 
Pagi 49-109. 


CHAPTER X. 

'The Eastern View from the Pass. Commencement of the Descent. 
Expeditious Despatch of the Baggage down the Steep. The Caves. 
The Snow-storm and its Results. Privations. The Chase of the 
Guanacoes. Jack’s Perilous Adventure in the Snow . — Page 110- 
121 . 


CONTENTS. 


7 


CHAPTER XI. 

Preparation of Charqui. Almagro’s Plan of Descent rejected. An 
Unpleasant Nocturnal Visit. The Sledge Expedition. The Lower 
Valleys of the Andes. IhB Pino de la Tierra. The Discontent of 
Charles Villars.— 122-183. 


CHAPTER XIL 

The Wood and the River. The Ruined Hut. The Strange Bird. 
The Spanish Girl. Maria’s Story. Scenes in a Guacho Hut. The 
Indian Attack. Maria’s Escape and Rescue from Death . — Page 
184-144. ^ 


CHAPTER XIII. 

The Family take possession of the ruined Hut. The Fortification. 
The Maize Harvest. The Wild Cow captured and tamed. The 
Capsicum. Spinning and Weaving. Walks in the Wood. The 
Cactus. The Hedge of Defence. The Alerse Pine . — Page 146- 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Another Expedition after the Wild Cattle. The Wild Horses of the 
Pampas. Vixen and Pampero, The Cow, the Calf, and the Puma. 
The Successful Foray of the Young Hunters. The New Settle- 
ment named. Kitchen and Oven built. The Chase of the Ostrich, 
and Capture of another Young Colt . — Page 155-166. 


CHAPTER XV. 

Taming of the young Ostriches. Preparation of the Flax. The 
Treasures of the Great Chest. The erection of the Chapel. The 
Deer-hunt, and the Adventure with the Jaguar. Another Expedi- 
tion to the Salina. Alarm. An Encounter with Lost Travellers 
on the Pampas . — Vage 167-179. 


8 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER XVL 

The Adventures of the Strangers. Departure from Buenos Ayers. 
Delays on the Pampas. Separation of the Party. Suspicions of 
the Guides. Treachery, Murder, and Robbery. The Wanderings 
and SuflFerings of the Travellers. W^elcome to Esperanza. More 
acquisitions, and a new Mansion projected . — Page 180-192. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Candle-making. The New Mansion and its Furniture. The Misfor- 
tune of the Ball-dresses. Another Expedition on the Pampas. 
The Fields and the Garden. The alarming Observations of Alma- 
gro. Preparations for a Siege. The Well and its utility . — Page 
198.205. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Night Attack. Wallace I The Brave Defence. Repeated at- 
tempts. The Water-engine. Dispersion of the Indians. Almagro’s 
Discovery. Origin of the Indian Tribes. Preparations for the 
Departure of the Visitors . — Page 206-217. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

/he Departure of the Strangers. The Birds and Flowers of the 
Pampas. The Indian Chase, and the Escape across the River. 
The Gardens and Fields. Building a Brick Oven. The Hollow 
Tree and its Inhabitants. Hay-making , — Page 218-229. 


CHAPTER XX. 

fhe bountiful Harvest. Thankfulness. The Thunder-storm and 
Conflagration. The Return of Almagro. His Story of Sorrow 
and Trial, and Account of his Arrival at Santiago . — Page 280-244. 

CHAPTER XXL 

Santiago. Almagro displays his Treasures. Jack and Maria set out 
to search for Pinones. The Encounter with the Indians. Jack 
carried off. The arrangements for the Pursuit and the Recovery 
of the Captive . — "Page 246-265. 


CONTENTS. 


9 


CHAPTER XXIL 

The Search for Jack on the Southern Pampas. The Indian Bridge, 
Discovery of the Indian Huts, and Jack in Captivity. The Indian 
Hunters. The Escape, The Destruction of the Bridge. A terri- 
ble Nocturnal Visitor . — Page 256-266. 


CHAPTER^ XXIII. 

The tedious Journey completed. The Alarm-bell. Skirmish vrith 
the Indians. The destruction of the Hut. The Wounded Indian. 
Jack’s Story of his Captivity and the Account of the Indian At- 
tack . — Page 267-278. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

The Effects of the Indian Visit. Projects for Repairs. The Young 
Indian Chief., The first Convert. Alarm, Jack’s Grand Discovery. 
The Indian Encampment, The Fugitive Family, and their Retreat 
in the Cave . — Page 279-294. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

% 

The Arrival of the rest of the Fugitives. Account of the Assault. 
Paul carried off. The Flight. The Toldos removed. Expedition 
to the Ruins of Esperanza. The Ascent of the Cattle to the Vale 
of Refuge. Visit of Paul. His Story . — Page 295-307 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Death of Paul’s Mother. The Visit to Esperanza, and Meeting 
with Cangapol and Zara. The Grand Reception in the Rock. Mr. 
Merton sets out on a Mission. The Seige of the Rock. The 
Slaughter. The Field of Battle.— Page 308-318. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Return of Mr. Merton and the Caciques. The Fate of the Indian 
Traitors. The new Converts. Departure of the Indians. Tl)e 


10 


CONTENTS. 


Gay eras explored. The ingot of Silver, The Visit to the Plains. 
Conflict with the Wild Cattle. The Peccaries. - Tom’s Accident.— 
319^31. 


CHAPTER XXVIII 

Plans for Rebuilding Esperanza. The Coracles of the Indians. The 
Breach in the Caves. The Battle of Jack and the Condor. The 
Spectre in the Cave. The Happy Meeting. Old Friends assembled 
in the Cave of Refuge . — Page 332-343, 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

The Return of the Douglas Family across the Andes, Encounter 
with the Arauoanian Indians, Loss of Property, and Strange Ad- 
mission to the Cave of Refuge. Restoration of Esperanza. New 
Pupils and Converts. The Harvest. The Pampero and its fearful 
Results . — Page 346-358. 


CHAPTER XXX. 

The Second Day beneath the Ground. The First Ray of Light. The 
Exploits of Jack and Maria. THe First View of the Ruined Set- 
tlement. The Escape from the Buried House. The Second Resto- 
ration of Esperanza. The Visit of Paul and his Bride . — Page 859- 
372. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

Paul’s Proposal for a Second Settlement. John’s Love Affair. 
Tom’s Proieots and departure. The village of Amistad. The 
Return of Mr. Carruthers. The Fifth Anniversary and its plane. 
The Conclusion . — Page 373-384, 


ADVENTURES 

OP 

THE MERTON FAMILY. 


. CHAPTER I. 

The Merton Family. Vicissitudes of Fortune. Plan of Emigration. 

London. The Zoological Gardens. 

‘‘ Indeed, dear papa,” said Tom Merton, “ I believe the 
best plan would be for us all to go out to South America.” 

‘‘ Most assuredly we must go,” said his sister Matilda ; 
“ Tom and I have thought over the matter, papa ; and we 
decidedly pronounce this to be the wisest measure for our 
advantage.” 

“ I second the resolution,” cried out Jack. “ Charley says 
there is capital shooting on the mountains ; besides, it would 
be rare fun to have a voyage. Fancy, girls, you see me look- 
ing down on you from the mast-head ; I know I shall turn out 
a regular sailor.” 

“ I am quite sure, papa,” added Mary, the youngest child, 
“ that South America must be a pretty place, or cousin Charles 
would not like it; and the way to it will be easy, for Charley 
does not like any trouble.” 

Mr. Merton regarded his children with astonishment ; he 
would never have dared to contemplate so bold a scheme him- 
self; but now the possibility of accomplishing some such mea- 
sure dawned on his mind, and, smiling at their earnestness, 
he promised to consider the plan. 

Mr. Merton was an excellent scholar, an estimable man, 
respected and beloved in his own small circle ; he was no 
longer young, and yet he had never attained a higher rank 
than that of a country curate. In the small village of Winston, 


12 


ADVENTUEES AND WANDERINGS OF 


in a mountainous district in the north of England, he had 
been born ; there he possessed a small estate, and there, 
since he left the university, and married, he had continued to 
perform the duties of curate in a widely scattered parish ; and, 
far from the world, had lived only for his books, his family, 
and his attached congregation. 

Mr. Merton had married, as poor curates are wont to marry, 
a very pretty, very amiable, but undowered bride. Much 
older than his wife, he had yielded to her gentle nature, and 
indulged his Lucy as a father indulges a favorite child ; till, 
though her sweet temper was unspoiled, her half-formed 
character was enfeebled, and her physical powers impaired ; 
for the constant watchfulness of her tender husband had filled 
her mind with nervous fancies, and induced her to yield to 
indolent indulgence, till her health really suffered. 

Mr. Merton had four children; Tom, who had proposed to 
his father the startling project of emigration, was fifteen years 
of age, and with his brother Jack, who was two years younger, 
had been for some years at one of the first grammar schools of 
the north of England, where they had attained a good know- 
ledge of classics and modern languages, — where Tom had ac- 
quired a taste for natural history and science, and Jack had 
been the leader at cricket, foot-ball, and all gymnastic sports. 
The simple and inexpensive habits of Mr. Merton enabled him 
to lay aside the small income arising from his estate for the 
education of his sons, whom he ardently desired to send to the 
university, where he himself had acquired an honorable name. 

The two daughters, aged fourteen and twelve, had been 
chiefiy brought up by their maternal grandmother, an active 
widow, who lived on her own farm, and managed it skilfully 
and profitably. She sent her two grand-daughters to an ex- 
cellent school, and spared no money in procuring for them 
the advantage of the best masters of the place; but in the va- 
cations she undertook herself to teach them all the useful arts 
of domestic economy, as practised in a large farm house. She 
was determined, she said, that the girls should be of more use 
in the world than their mother, her poor Lucy, who had first 
been spoiled by her own father, then married before she had 
learned to make a pudding, and, after all, been so indulged 
by her husband that she could now do nothing. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


13 


The girls were amused with the idea of mamma ever being 
thought able to make a pudding; now, she usually was in bed 
till after the puddings were made, and only rose from it to make 
a feeble exertion to attend to her flowers, or her pet canary. 
When she felt better than usual, she would sometimes make 
clothes for the poor, reclining on the sofa as she worked, and 
amused by Mr. Merton reading to her. But all the children 
were fondly attached to her, she was so mild and gentle; and 
even Jack the boisterous, looked penitent if, after indulging 
in some noisy diversion, he remembered poor Mamma's head- 
ache. “ I cannot bear to see her look so patient and pret- 
ty,” said he, “ and I know she never could scold me, much 
as I deserve it.” 

A cousin of Mr. Merton’s who was with him at the uni- 
versity, and was one of his earliest friends, had entered into 
commerce, traded in South America, and fiinally married an 
heiress in Valparaiso, and settled there as a merchant. He 
had lost his wife a few years after their marriage, and Mr. Mer- 
ton frequently heard from him afterwards, but his letters were 
melancholy ; he spoke of his own approaching death, and be. 
sought his cousin to receive and superintend the education of 
his only son, whom, though he must inherit a large estate 
near Valparaiso, he wished to be brought up an Englishman. 
Still it was a great shock to Mr. Merton to receive a visit 
from a grave, severe looking elderly man, who announced 
himself as Mr. Buchanan, the uncle of the late Mrs. Villars, 
and who added that he was instructed to consign to Mr. 
Merton, Charles Villars, the orphan son of the said Mrs. 
Villars, and her husband the late Mr. Villars with the sum 
of £5,000, to be invested in the English funds, and applied, 
to the education and board of Charles Villars during his 
minority, he having now passed his tenth year, in such man- 
ner as Mr. Merton deemed just and expedient. 

Then placing the handsome, pale, noble-looking boy in Mr. 
Merton’s hands, giving him an inventory of his clothes, 
books and toys, and putting a crown-piece in the child’s hand, 
with an injunction not to spend it, he took leave, saying that 
pressing business called him to Liverpool; leaving Mr. Mer- 
ton in a state of great agitation and distress, with a child of 
ten years of age in his quiet room*» at Cambridge. 


14 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


“ What in the world can I do with the boy here 1” said 
Mr. Merton to his revered friend, the master of his college, 
Dr. Allan, who had made his usual evening call on him. “ If 
he had been eighteen years of age, instead of ten, and had 
been grounded in the classics, I would gladly have carried 
him on, but this child, who is ripe in mischief, disturbs the 
course of my life, and fills me with unwonted terrors, flis 
dog, the most unamiable of its kind, hunts cats into my rooms, 
growls at me if I attempt to caress him, eats my toast from 
the plate before me, and snaps at my legs, if I remonstrate. 
Unlike the canine race, the animal is cowardly, treacherous, 
and cruel. And the boy flings my cherished folios after the 
cats, and his boots at my bed-maker calling this respectable 
female ‘‘ Old Hag !” 

Dr. Allan laughed at his friend’s distresses, and pointed 
out to him the simple plan of sending the boy to school. 
“To-morrow, Merton,” said he, “send him to school. He 
will there have his wants attended to, his rcir-d stored, his 
manners polished, and his faults corrected.” 

And much against his wish, the spoiled boy was sent off 
next day to a day school, where his nobler qualities were de- 
veloped, his early failings subdued or corrected, and Mr. 
Merton was gratified with reports of his progress in learning* 

The following year Dr. Allan accepted the valuable living 
of Winston, and persuaded Mr. Merton, as this parish was 
his native place, to leave the university and become his cu- 
rate. But the parsonage of Winston was lonely, and the 
good curate soon introduced a young wife into it, and from 
that time Charles Villars spent his vacations at Winston; and 
even after he went to the university, where, with good talents, 
he had taken a very fair degree for a young man of wealth, 
Winston continued to be his home when he choose to visit the 
country. After leaving the university he made a continental 
tour, and on his return had apartments in town, with no de- 
cided pursuit; and though fond of society and a gay life, still 
seemed happiest in his long visits to his dear uncle, as he al- 
ways called him, at Winston. But even if the mountain - 
home had his hours of dullness to the gay Charles Villars, it 
was very dear to all the Mertons, and it was only painful vi- 
cissitudes of fortune that could have induced them to desire 
to leave it. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


15 


The old friend of Mr. Merton, the rector of the parish, Dr. 
Allen, had recently died suddenly, and the living was be- 
stowed on one who knew not Mr. Merton, and who dispensed 
with his services for he should bring his own curate with him. 
At once Mr. Merton had to mourn the loss of his friend, and 
of his home. At once he found himself with a helpless wife, 
a large family, and a very small income, dependent on that 
small income for a subsistence. It might not have been dif- 
ficult for Mr. Merton to obtain some other small curacy; but 
he wanted energy to seek a new patron, and shrunk from the 
idea of taking up his abode amidst new faces. In the midst 
of his distress, Mrs. Merton’s mother died, and her son suc- 
ceeded to the property, a sordid and morose man, with a 
large family. He instantly sent Matilda and Mary Merton 
to their father, saying the girls had already had too much of 
his mother’s money spent on them, but they would get no more. 
With much murmuring, he reluctantly paid to Mr. Merton the 
small legacy his mother was enabled to leave to her helpless 
daughter, but Mr. Merton saw, that in his distress, he must not 
expect either advice or assistance from his brother-in-law. 

It was at this time that Charles Villars came to take leave 
of his dear friends at Winston. He had been summoned to 
Valparaiso by Mr. Buchanan, his great uncle, who had 
brought him to England, and who now entreated him to visit 
him, to settle the long accounts of money matters, and to re- 
ceive large arrears duo to him. To Charles, so many years 
older than his own children, Mr. Merton told all his sorrows 
and difilculties. “ Tell me, Charles, what shall I do ? I feel 
like the unjust steward of the parable : ‘ I cannot dig, to beg 
I am ashamed.’ ” 

“ I have money enough for everybody, uncle,” said Charles, 
“ and you should all have come up to town and lived with me, 
but for this voyage. Not that I object to it ; for it will be 
something new, and the wild sports of South America are 
splendid ; besides, I am glad to leave town just now, for not 
a soul is to be seen there at this dull season. But I tell you 
what we can do : you can go with me, my dear uncle *, in fact, 
I believe you must go, or Uncle Buchanan will never believe 
I am the true Charles Villars he delivered to you. Besides, 
he writes to me that he has built a new church on his own 
hactendo, for his English laborers, and he orders a priest to 


16 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


be sent out, as if he were ordering a bale of Manchester 
cotton.” 

Mr. Merton shook his head, and pointed to his family 
gathered round him ; it was then that Tom, the philosopher 
of the family, suggested the plan of emigration in earnest. 

“ You need not consider the plan by dear uncle,” said 
Charles ; “ depend on my judgment ; it is the right thing. 
Buchanan town will be glad to welcome you ; and I rejoice 
particularly in the prospect of having the boys with me on the 
tedious voyage out. I have been quite out of spirits at the 
thought of my imprisonment for months in a dirty ship, redo- 
lent of tar and all manner of foul odours ; subjected to the 
unspeakable horror of a cabin dinner with unknown, vulgar 
adventurers, and no one to sympathize with me. Now, if 
you can go, I can tell all my distresses to my dear compas- 
sionate aunt ; talk philosophy with you, learn practical navi- 
gation with the boys, and romp with the dear little girls. 
You must not send me out without you, uncle, for I can never 
fancy a home unless I have all this dear circle round me.” 

But it was many days, and after much reasoning and reflec- 
tion, that Mr. Merton discovered, flrst, that the proposed 
scheme was possible ; and, next, that it was desirable. At 
length he left all to Charles and Tom, and shut himself in 
his study, to mourn over the necessity of his banishment. 
With Mrs. Merton Charles had little difficulty ; she wept bit- 
terly, feeling oppressed by some great calamity, which she 
could neither comprehend nor bear to contemplate, but she 
had ever been accustomed to look on her beloved husband as 
infallible, and, as he agreed to the measure, she supposed it 
must be right. The only unusual exertion she made was to 
tell Nanny, her faithful old servant, that she must pack up 
her clothes, for they were going to leave their dear home. 

I reckoned as much, mistress,” observed Nanny ; << but 
how we are to get you shifted I can’t see. Surelie, master 
never thinks to carry us far away?” 

“ Charles says it will be thousands of miles, Nanny,” re* 
plied her mistress in a mournful voice, “ and we must go in 
a ship, which I dread very much ; but I told Mr. Merton that * 
you must go with us, for what could I do without you ?” 

That’s the truest word you ever spoke, mistress,” said 
Nanny, in a great state of irritation *, “ without me, indeed ’ 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


IT 


IM like to see anybody try it. But this, I’ll be bound, is 
just Master Charles at his tricks. Set off in a ship — a pack 
of nonsense 1 How is I to be gotten into a ship, let alone a 
poor silly body like you!” 

But Tom assured Nanny the thing was decided, and after 
much grumbling, she began her fussy preparations. « And 
if we are to go, master,” said she, angrily, to poor Mr. Mer- 
ton in his beseiged retreat, “ please to say when ; for what 
with one fancy and another that Master Charles takes, every- 
body’s times taken up ; and we hav’n’t washed these three 
weeks ; and let us have all clean wi’ us, for I cannot see how 
folks can wash aboard ship.” 

But Matilda, who was great in household matters, and ex* 
ceedingly fond of rule and management, undertook to direct 
the distracted Nanny, who loudly bemoaned her expatriation, 
but never for a moment considered she had the option of re- 
maining. Finally when all was ready, she bent to her fate like 
a wind blown rush, and took leave of her intimates with the im- 
portance of a woman setting out on her travels. Tom’s 
thoughtfulness and Matilda’s management enabled them to 
select, arrange, and pack all things needful, without disturbing 
or annoying their abstracted father or feeble mother. A kind 
and honorable friend of Mr. Merton, who practised the law in 
the nearest town to Winston, undertook the sale of his furni- 
ture, and the management of his little estate, which, as the 
heritage of his family he was reluctant to sell. The family 
then took a sorrowful leave of the weeping people, and, un- 
der the experienced protection of Charles Villars, set out for 
London, where they were to continue with him till all was 
provided for their voyage. 

Charley; was well acquainted with several South American 
merchants, who directed him in what manner to fit out the 
family for their new home ; and they also introduced him to 
the captain of a vessel, comfortably fitted up, which was to 
sail in a few weeks to Valparaiso, round Cape Horn. 

By the sale of Mr. Merton’s furniture a sura was realized 
which enabled him to tit out the whole family well ; and, by 
the advice of the friendly merchants, many useful articles of 
English manufacture were purchased, not being easily attain- 
able at their proposed destination. Their wardrobes were 
filled with light summer garments suitable to the climate ; but 
2 


18 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


a warm winter dress was added for each, to be worn when 
they reached the colder regions during their voyage. Mr. 
Merton’s books, with the addition of those of his children, 
filled one large chest, which Mr. Merton determined to have 
in his cabin, that he might guard with a jealous eye his most 
treasured possession. Finally, Mrs. Merton’s legacy of £500 
was invested in the English funds ; the dividends, and the 
rents of the Winston proporty, were to be transmitted to Mr. 
Merton at Valparaiso, 

Whilst all these preparations were going on, Charles Vil- 
lirs, having first seen his young friends dressed with more 
attention to the reigning mode than they had cared for at Win- 
ston, pleased himself by gratifying their several tastes in 
seeing the wonders of London. Mr. Merton only desired to 
see Westminister Abbey and the church of the old Knight 
Templars ; and there he would have spent the whole period of 
his stay in London ; but his heart was touched when he found 
Nanny had seen nothing of the town, for the valet of Charles, 
a very fine gentleman, had declined the office of introducing 
the strikingly rustic figure of the Winston maiden to a Lon- 
don public. But Mr. Merton, regardless of Nanny’s showy 
yellow gown and primitive black silk bonnet, led her through 
the streets, J ack undertaking to flank the party, for fear of 
mischief, and Charles and Tom following at a distance, lest, 
as Charles said, they should be mobbed by Nanny’s followers. 
“ I will buy her the smartest staw bonnet in Oxford street,” 
added he, “ if she will give me that extraordinary coal-scoop 
she crowns her head with. I will send it to Mrs. Keely ; 
and that bonnet would be the greatest hit of the sea- 
son.” 

The girls did not at all comprehend why Mrs. Keeley should 
have Nanny’s bonnet ; but of one thing they are quite sure, 
that she would never exchange her highly-valued best bonnet 
for a straw bonnet, whatever the fashion of London might re- 
quire. 

“We are now in St. Paul’s Church-yard, Nanny,” said 
Jack, in his character of cAcerone ; “ and that is the great St. 
Paul’s Cathedral.” 

“ You’ll not tell me this can bo a church-yard, master 
Jack,” said the incredulous maiden, “ with all these grand 
shops about it, and so many carts and carriages rattling over 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


19 


the graves. Nay ! nay ! London folks can sure/fe never be 
so hardened as to keep their market-day with their poor dead 
under their feet !” 

Her Master quietly enlightened her on the subject of 
church yards and cemetries, and begged her to notice the ca- 
thedral. 

Is this your grand St. Paul’s, that looks so bonny in pic- 
ture-books said Nanny. “ Why, I see nothing but a great 
black wall ; it’s not to be named on the same day as Carlisle 
Cathedral. I’d be very sorry to see you, master, minister of 
such a great, black, noisy place as St. Paul’s, that’s not a bit 
like a canny, quiet church. Come on honeys, I cannot bide 
to see it. That’s not a temple of God Almighty.” 

And so they went on through the mazy streets ; but Nanny, 
who had been struck with wonder at the first sight of London as 
a whole, was much dissatisfied with it in detail, and amused the 
children very much by her animadversions on the people who, 
she declared, never could clean their windows or sweep their 
chimneys, and she classed all the London people together, as 
dirty, ill-behaved, and altogether heathens. 

Tom chose to visit the British Museum, and they spent se- 
veral days pleasantly and profitably among the relics of past 
ages. At length, when the time for their departure was at 
hand, the girls petitioned for one day at the Zoological Gar- 
dens. Even Charles, sheltered by a cab, condescended to ac- 
company the party, which included Nanny, to that attractive 
scene, though he felt rather alarmed lest he should encounter 
any of his fashionable friends while surrounded by such a 
rustic group. 

'j’he screams of delight which burst from the party can only 
be comprehended by those who have witnessed the first in- 
troduction of children to this fairy scene. Tom was perfectly 
absorbed ; he followed the keepers, inquiring and observing, 
and made notes of the habits, the appearance, and the names 
of the animals. Jack, with less steadiness of character, and 
a .somewhat exuberant vivacity, was wild with enjoyment. He 
planted himself in a menacing attitude before the cages of the 
ferocious animals, crying out, “ Hollo, sir ! if I had you in a 
wild forest, and had a good rifle in my hand, I promise you 
your chance would be small ” The girls laughed at Jack’s 
rhodomontade, and were delighted with the scene, bat clung 


20 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


to papa with a little trepidation. Fanny, after a succession 
of shrieks, subsided into a stupid astonishment, gazing at 
every thing in silence, with enlarged eyes ; and Charles Vil- 
lars, smoking a segar, stood aloof, regarding his very much 
loved friends with an ineffable air of superiority, and wonder- 
ing how in the world people could be so green. 

At length Nanny’s tongue was loosed. “ Pray you, mas- 
ter, speak to me ; I feel all of a maze ! Save us ! master, look 
at yon great black creature walking about among folk, just like 
one of our own black mountains setting off out of its place ! 
And what will become of us all, master, if such like beasts be 
roving about in that place we have to be sent to ?” 

It is impossible, Nanny,” replied Mr. Merton ; “ it is 
well ascertained that the elephant has never inhabited the 
new world in the postdiluvian ages. I doubt, even, if the 
elephant of the antediluvian world — which the researches of 
geology have revealed to us, walked, in those early ages, 
through the primeval forests of our own island — was an inha- 
bitant of America, or, indeed, if that vast continent had then 
been called forth from the waters. The doubtful remains of 
an earlier world, the scanty and vague traditions existing 
among the natives, the immense mass of waters v;hich still 
cover so large a portion of the continent, and the luxuriant 
vegetation which announces the freshness cf the soil, all pro- 
claim that it is indeed a new world, gradually emerged from 
the ocean.” 

Nanny curtsied with profound veneration of the hidden 
meaning of her master’s reply. Mr. Merton rarely measured 
the understanding of his auditors when he gave words to his 
thoughts, but Nanny was always content ; “ Master spoke 
grand,” that was enough, though his words might be really 
Greek. But Charles was roused by his guardian’s visionary 
theory, and spoke to him. 

‘‘ That is a refuted error, my dear sir. I am certainly not 
prepared to prove that the elephant ever inhabited America ; 
but the numerous gigantic organic remains discovered, prove 
that the antediluvian America was the abode of wondrous land 
animals now extinct — the huge megatherium, the sclidothe- 
rium, a creature larger than the rhinoceros, the mylodon, 
nearly as large, the toxodon, large as the elephant, and seve- 
ral other extraordinary animals, whose teeth indicate that 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


21 


their immense frames were supported by vegetable fuod. 
Thus, my dear uncle, the fact is indisputable that before the 
vast continent was trodden by man, it must have been a gigan* 
tic Zoological Garden.” 

“ It may be so, Charles,” said Mr. Merton, “ but I should 
like to view these remains, that my doubts might be dispelled. 
But is it not extraordinary that the present fer(z of America 
are certainly inferior in size to those of the Eastern con- 
tinent ? 

“ I cannot account for that fact,” answered Charles, “ for 
it certainly is a fact ; though you must not form your judg- 
ment of the lion and tiger of America, properly the puma and 
jaguar, by the wretched representatives of the species you see 
in confinement here. I hope I shall have the honor of intro- 
ducing you to some noble specimens of the race in their na- 
tive forests.” 

“ I would rather not, I thank you, Charles,” answered Mr. 
Merton, hastily ; “ I should feel greatly alarmed at such an 
encounter. I prefer the contemplation of such ferocious beasts, 
when under the subjugation of man, the ruler on earth of the 
brute creation.” 

“ I am going to take out a dozen choice rifles,” said Charles, 
laughing. “ You must let me put one into your hands, uncle, 
and you will have the better of the brute. The boys have al- 
ready made their choice among them, and you shall have the 
best that remains.” 

« Did not my profession forbid me to shed blood,” replied 
Mr. Merton, “ I should still feel the same repugnance to the 
use of arms. I shrink from the sight of the weapon of de- 
struction.” 

“ Then we will be your body-guards, papa,” said Jack j 
“ but come, leave your tedious discussions, and watch Nan- 
ny’s delight at the sight of the parrots.” 

Did ever eyes look on such another bonny bird as that 
cried the astonished maiden. ‘‘ Sure/ie, Master Tom, this is 
like to be the king over all our poor bits of brown sparrows 
and black crows.” 

« Nanny, you understand nothing of the arrangements of 
ornithology,” said Tom, somewhat pompously. “ The spar, 
row and crow both belong to the Passerine order, the birds 
that feed on insects, fruits, or grains, and build their nests in 


22 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


trees or bushes, on the ground, or even in the habitations of 
men. The sparrow is of the family FringUldf having short, 
stout, rounded bills, sharp at the point. The crow, of the 
genus CorvuSy is distinguished by a strong convex bill and a 
rounded tail. Now, the parrot has no affinity to these birds ; 
it is of the order Scansores, the climbing birds, and of the fa- 
mily PsittacidcB, distinguished by hooked bills, fleshy tongues, 
and claws formed for climbing. These beautful birds are 
found in the woods of South America of many varieties, and 
I shall have great pleasure in viewing them in a state of na- 
ture.” 

« Bonny creatures they are, for all their queer names,” 
said Nanny, apparently satisfied with Tom’s explanation j 
“ and a good schoolmaster you have had. Master Tom, to 
make you get off such long outlandish words.” 

“ Never listen to Tom’s crabbed descriptions, Nanny,” 
said Jack, “but come with me, and I will show you some 
of the strange animals we may meet with in our new 
country.” 

And Jack showed Nanny the stately ostrich of America, 
the pondrous condor, the curious scaly armadillo, and the gen- 
tle llama. With the latter animal she was much pleased, 
declaring that she would not believe it was a wild beast, for 
it looked as quiet as the goats that skipped about on their own 
mountains. 

“ The llama we shall doubtless meet with,” said Tom, “ for 
vast herds of these animals are found on the mountain sides 
of South America. The llama is ” 

“ Pray defer your discourse on the llama, Tom,” interrupt- 
ed Jack, “ till we meet with one at large j and just look af- 
ter papa, for fear he should intrude into the den of the brown 
bear, who might not honor him with a pleasant reception. 
And, above all, keep him from the cage of the tiger, for I see 
the treacherous brute is on the watch to have a claw at some 
unwary observer.” 

“ I believe,” said Mary, “ that Matilda and I could milk a 
llama as well as we used to milk the goats ; so remember, 
Nanny, if they cannot give us cow’s milk at Valparaiso, we 
will keep a flock of llamas, have a dairy, and make our own 
butter and cheese.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


23 


Charles, who had not forgotten the enervating climate of 
Valparaiso, nor the languid disposition of the inhabitants, 
laughed at the little girl’s schemes ; and assured her she 
must not condescend to do any household work at her new 
home, or‘she would never be regarded as a lady. 

“ Then, cousin Charles,” said Matilda, “you, with papa, 
and mamma, who like ease, must represent the aristocracy of 
the family. Mary and I like to be active, and I certainly in- 
tend to take the management of the house.” 

“That I am quite sure of,” said Jack laughing; “but I 
protest too, against being a lazy fine gentleman. I will hunt 
and shoot, and fish ; I am up to any kind of hard work, and 
would rather draw a carriage than ride in one.” 

“ I should like very much to accompany you in your field 
sports,” said Matilda ; “ but I fear it will be necessary for me 
to remain at home to keep Mary at her useful employments. 
I have an ardent desire to pass days in the woods, watching 
the habits of the various birds, and the fairy-like insects, or 
collecting and arranging new plants.” 

“ Well, well, Matilda,” answered her brother, “ you must 
sometimes take a holiday from the butter and cheese labors, 
and we will fly away to the woods and mountains, and spend 
the day among the birds and insects.” 

“ And probably with the tigers and wild bulls, too,” said 
Tom. ‘'We must know a little more of the woods round our 
residence. Jack, befoie we plan excursions into them. But 
papa is weary, and 1 think all eyes must ache with gazing, 
so we nad best leave, this charming fairy land.” 


24 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


CHAPTER II. 

The Family leave England. Introduction to Dr. Lewis. Arrival at 
Madeira. The Southern Cross. Kio Janeiro. Viwt to the 
country house of Don Alvarez. Departure from Rio Janeiro, 

“ Oh, mistress! honey mistress!” said Nanny, on their return 
from this, the most wonderful experience of her life. “ What 
a pity it is you are such a poor ailing creature ; you could 
not see yon bonny place, that’s more like a grand picture out 
of a great hook than aught real. And they’re all alive, mis- 
tress, — such creatures Why, at Winston we want sending 
to school ; we ken no more than half of the things God has 
made. There was a great black awful creature j one of his 
legs was bigger than Master Charles, but he was as quiet as a 
lamb. And the bonniest things, that I thought were great 
butterflies ! But Master Tom says they are birds, and we 
shall see lots where we are going ; and you shall have some, 
mistress, if we cannot get a gold linnet. But surelie the aw- 
fullest beasts that ever was seen was them monkeys. Would 
you think it, mistress, they sniggered at me ; and telled 
one another, and pointed their ugly hands at me ; and Master 
Charles got me away from them, for he said they had found 
it out as I was a North- country body.” 

“ No doubt they had, Nanny,” said Charles ; “ for mon- 
keys are knowing creatures. When we touch at Rio Ja- 
neiro I intend to buy one, to amuse us for the rest of the 
voyage, and you will find out what a conjurer the fellow will 
be. And now, dear Aunty, all is ready, and to-morrow we 
must embark ; so take your warm cloak, to be ready to wear 
till we get to a warmer latitude, when you will have to relin- 
quish it awhile.” 

It was really a serious undertaking for Charles, who was 
by no means fond of trouble, to get the family and their 
extensive baggage safely embarked in the Maypo, a commo- 
dious vessel, which was bound to Valparaiso with a valuable 
cargo of British manufactures. . Captain Russell, to whom 
they had previously been introduced, was a gentlemanly and 
intelligent man, who was glad of pleasant society during his 
long voyage. Ho introduced them to the only passenger 
besides themselves that he had consented to take out, — Hr. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


25 


Lewis, a young Physician, whose health had not been very 
good, and who, as he had no ties to bind him to England, and 
was fond of travel and of the study of Natural History, had 
decided to go out to Valparaiso, where, if the climate suited 
him, he proposed to remain and practise his profession. Cap- 
tain Russell appropriated two large cabins, surrounded by 
convenient berths, to the use of his passengers ; and before 
the first twenty-four hours had passed, Mrs. Merton, reclining 
on an easy sofa, and surrounded by comforts, was almost 
reconciled to the change. The cabin was much more luxuri- 
ously furnished, and kept cleaner and neater than their Lon- 
don Lodgings. A bookcase, filled with the light literature of 
the day, supplied her with amusement ; and she listened with 
pleasure to the animated description given by her children of 
the wonders of the ship. 

But Dr. Lewis was certainly an unexpected addition to 
the pleasure of the voyage. Every one acknowledged this. 
He had erudition enough to discuss learned points with Mr. 
Merton ; knowledge of society, to render him agreeable to 
Charles ; a taste for Natural History, to delight Tom ; medi- 
cal science, to command the respect and attention of Mrs. Mer- 
ton ; and a happy good nature, that won him the affection of 
the younger party. He prescribed for Mrs. Merton, won her 
confidence, and by degrees succeeded in persuading her to 
make a little exertion, to walk about the cabin; and before they 
had sailed ten days she was actually seated on deck; supported 
by cushions, certainly, but enjoying the fresh breeze and the 
lively pleasure of her children at mamma’s improvement, 

‘‘ Do you know. Captain Russell,” said Matilda, whose 
education had given her a little conceit, “ I cannot see tbe 
use of that man remaining in such a dangerous position up 
at the top of that mast.” 

“ But I see the use of it,” replied the captain, good- 
humouredly ; he is looking out for tlie appearance of land.” 

‘‘ Oh ! I could see the land well enough from this spot, if 
there was land to see,” said she, without risking my neck 
by climbing up there. I only wish we were in sight of land, 
for I should then beg of you. Captain Russell, to sail close to 
it. It would be decidedly more agreeable to be passing fields 
and towns, as we do on a railway, than to sail for days with 
one unvarying prospect of water before us.” 


26 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


My dear young lady, pray mind your dolls and your 
crochet-work,” answered Captain Russell, “ and leave tha 
management of the ship to wiser heads. I am despotic here, 
and never allow any one to advise or censure.” 

“You silly goose,” cried Jack, laughing, “don’t you 
know that there is nothing a sailor dreads so much on sea as 
land — keep clear of land, and we keep clear of danger. No 
likelihood of your seeing fields or houses for some time yet.” 

“ Not before we reach Madeira, I hope,” said the captain j 
“ there I intend to land and take in fresh water. I have a 
sacred duty to fulfil there.” 

From Dr. Lewis they afterwards heard that Captain Rus- 
sell had buried a wife and daughter in the lovely but melan- 
choly island of Madeira — that forlorn hope of the consump- 
tive patients of the bleak northern climates j and he wished 
to visit the graves of all he held dear on earth. 

A few days after, they anchored opposite the port of Fun- 
chal, and were struck with equal delight and astonishment at 
the picturesque appearance of the shores, which are bounded 
by lofty cliffs, rising in many parts, perpendicularly from' 
1,000 to 2,000 feet. Captain Russell proposed to his pas- 
sengers to join him in his visit to Funchal, and they gladly 
accepted the opportunity of relieving the tedium of a long 
voyage by seeing a new country. The children leaped about 
in ecstacy, as they arrayed themselves neatly for their expedi- 
tion. Mr. Merton was interested, Mrs. Merton passively 
willing, and Nanny, though she murmured greatly at all the 
trouble of preparation for a few days absence from the vessel, 
was in her heart very glad to see grass and trees once more. 

“ Come, Villars,” cried Dr. Lewis, “ the boat is ready ; 
what in the world can detain you now, when you were the 
most anxious of us to go on shore ?” 

In truth, Charles was under the hands of his valet ; for to 
appear in his careless ship costume at Funchal, where they 
should assuredly meet elegant English society, was unworthy 
of Charles Villars. It was only the captain’s positive assu- 
rance that he must be left behind, if not ready, that induced 
him to complete hastily his grand toilet ; and he then sprung 
into the boat, arrayed in his fashionable English morning 
dress. 

“ Observe the ridges of the mountains,” said Dr. Lewis to 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 




his young friends, “ broken into mimic pyramids and towers, 
standing out so strongly against that clear blue sky, which 
you would fancy was never ruffled by a cloud. Can anything 
be more picturesque than those heights, and the deep and 
precipitous gorges which so abruptly sever them?” , 

There was some difficulty in landing on the stony beach at 
Funchal ; but they were met by the noisy, bustling boatman 
of the town, who accomplished the landing with much greater 
ease and expedition than the sailors from the ship, unac- 
quainted with the coast, could have done. Sedan-chairs were 
waiting near the landing-place, in which Mrs. Merton and her 
daughters were placed j and Nanny, though very reluctantly, 
was induced to enter a similar conveyance. They were then 
borne by men to an hotel in the town, the gentlemen walking 
by their side. 

The pretty town of Funchal stands in the midst of an 
amphitheatre of mountains, scattered over with groves of lofty 
and luxuriant heaths and brooms. White villas gleam through 
the rich verdure, and contrast pleasantly with the green cul- 
tivated terraces that surround the town. 

After Captain Russell had left them, to make his melan- 
choly vi.sit to the graves of his family, the party spent the few 
days they remained in this beautiful place in rambling up the 
hills by roads hedged with geranium, hydrangea, and myrtle, 
passing through groves of orange and lemon, and vineyards 
purple with their rich produce. A little higher grew bananas, 
figs, and pomegranates ; then they reached the region of the 
familiar fruits of England, — apples, pears and peaches, though 
on the ground were still spread the melon, tomato and egg- 
plant. Still higher, and only the potato can be cultivated. 

Tom collected plants with untiring assiduity, and all enjoyed 
the delicious fruit. Dr. Lewis wished them to see something 
of the process of making the rich wine for which Madeira is 
famed ; but time would not permit this ; and, laden with as 
much fruit as they could conveniently stow, the gratified party 
left “ fair Madeira’s groves,” and, returning to the vessel, 
pursued their voyage. 

After leaving this island, Tom had several times the high 
gratification of pointing out to his brother and sisters the 
flying fish. These curious creatures were found in numbers, 
skimming like swallows over the waves ; sometimes they sus- 


28 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


pended their flight for a few seconds, then rose again, and 
were always pursued by the larger fish, which frequently 
leaped high out of the water, attempting unsuccessfully to 
seize their prey. These observations charmed the children 
till they forgot the monotony of the voyage, hen they passed 
within sight of the Canary Islands, and were amazed with a 
distant view of the lofty peak of Teneriffe, gilded by the sun, 
while the lower part was shrouded in clouds. 

They were glad to adopt their light summer dresses now, 
and as they approached the burning regions of the equator, 
were rarely able to remain long on deck till the evening. — 
After crossing the line, they began to look round for the 
peculiar novelties of the south ; but it was not till they 
reached the 16 ® of south latitude that, on one delicious night, 
Dr. Lewis, the keenest observer, pointed out to the assembled 
family, in the clear heavens, the glory of the southern hemi- 
sphere, the Cross of the South. 

“ I am now content with my expatriation,” said Mr. Merton, 
gazing with fervent admiration on the cruciform arrangement 
of the stars ; “ how often, in my quiet study, have I longed 
to study the heavens of the south ; especially I have desired 
to look on this constellation, the sight of which hushed the 
fears of the first voyagers, on the unknown Southern Ocean, 
who hailed with astonishment and renewed hopes, the extra- 
ordinary appearance of the symbol of the faith of Jesus.” 

‘‘Yes, papa,” added Matilda, “and you taught me the 
beautiful passage in Dante, describing these quattro stelle. 
I have not forgotten it.” 

“ But we do not understand Dante,” said Jack, “ and 
therefore, if you please, we will speak English — the language 
of the sons of freedom.” 

But notwithstanding Jack’s admiration of the English 
language, he had, with the rest of the young people, been 
studying Spanish and Portuguese for some weeks, under Mr. 
Merton, who was an accomplished linguist ; Charles Villars, 
who had not forgotten his early Spanish acquirements, under- 
took to be under-teacher, for Mr. Merton was not skilful in 
rudimentary instruction ; and before they reached Rio 
Janeiro, they were all able to understand and even speak the 
Spanish, as well as a little of the language common at that 
place — the Portuguese. 


THE mp:iit(.)n family. 


29 


With all the delight which youth ever experiences at 
novelty, the young people stood on deck, looking at the first 
land they had seen of a new world, as the vessel entered the 
magnificent harbor of the city of St. Salvador, usually 
called Rio Janeiro. As they approached the principal land- 
ing-place, the bright sunshine of that climate lighted up the 
splendid scene in glorious beauty. The grand and spacious 
harbor, with the amphitheatre of mountains, the rich tropi- 
cal woods, and the fair white city, and scattered villas, formed 
an unrivalled picture. 

As soon as they landed, they entered an hotel near the 
harbor, till Charles, accompanied by Captain Russell, went 
to call on a rich Portuguese merchant, who was a distant 
relation of his mother, and a friend and correspondent of his 
uncle. He was welcomed with ready hospitality by Don 
Alvarez, who insisted on receiving the whole party during 
their stay at Rio, and immediately dispatched his strange old 
picturesque carriage, drawn by mules, driven by a negro 
coachman, to the hotel ; and the Mertons, with Dr. Lewis, 
were conveyed to the house of Don Alvarez, in the city. — 
The lower part of the house was occupied as warehouses, the 
upper rooms forming the residence of the family, when they 
were in town. At present, his wife and daughters were at 
his estanda, or farm, in the country, whither he proposed to 
conduct his visitors, after introducing them to the novelties 
of a city in a new hemisphere. 

The Europeans were not long in discovering that the great- 
est and most disagreeable novelty to them was the prevalence 
of slavery. Slave domestics, slaves carrying burdens, slave 
vessels in the harbour, and slave traffic in the markets, made 
them regard Rio with other feelings than those they had first 
experienced. Besides, a nearer view of the city robbed it 
of much of the first brilliant effect. The streets were nar- 
row and ill-paved, the houses, public buildings, and even the 
royal palace, had a mean and gloomy appearance ; though, in 
the better class of houses, the open balconies in front, filled 
with brilliant and fragrant flowers, imparted a degree of 
cheerfulness to their aspect. The churches, numerous and 
richly decorted, were built in a better style ; but there was 
a want of grandeur in their appearance, and all felt disap > 
pointed. Nanny declared this foreign place was no better 
nor London. 


30 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


“ Well worth our own canny Winston,” sighed she, “ where 
else have we seen clean white cottages, and a bonny green wi’ 
bits of bairns, playing about on it ? and folks there were no 
way shamed to do their own turn, and not sin again God by 
such sights as we look on here. God forgive them that use 
those poor black niggers no better than if they were cart- 
horses, and put decent women to shame by making these 
black creatures work openly int’ streets, barely a rag to cover 
’em. I like none of your grand cities.” 

But though the streets were dull and dirty, the party were 
charmed with a delightful promenade by the seaside, where 
numbers flocked every evening to inhale the refreshing 
breeze, and to rest or wander under shady avenues of lofty 
trees unknown in England, or only seen in the dwarfed spe- 
cimens cultivated in green-houses. 

“ Do tell me, papa,” said Tom, “ is not this noble tree, 
which cannot be less than forty feet in height, the bread- 
fruit tree 

“ It is the Artocarpus integrifolia^ is it not ?” said Mr. 
Merton, appealing to Dr. Lewis. 

Certainly,” answered Dr. Lewis \ “ it is commonly called 
The Jack, a native of the Indian Archipelago, but success- 
fully cultivated here. The fruit is much larger than that of 
the Artocarpus incisa, which I see is also growing at a little 
distance from us ; but as an article of food, the large nuts are 
less agreeable to the palate. Both are, however, nutritious, 
and of priceless value in the Indian Islands, where they are 
natives, supplying wholesome and pleasant food at all seasons. ^ 
But see, Tom, here is a tree familiar to all who are learned 
in tales of travel ; the Mango, — Mangifera Indica, one of 
the most delicious of the tropical fruits, and handsomest of 
trees. I am truly glad we have had an opportunity of view- 
ing these exotics in such a favorable situation.” 

“ But do leave the trees now,” said Mary, ‘‘ and let every- 
body come with me to a charming market which is close by 
the avenue. There are hundreds of beautiful birds, far more 
extraordinary than those we saw at the Zoological Gardens. 
I never saw so many brilliant colors grouped together in my 
life. You might fancy you were entering a delightful flower- 
garden, and that all the flowers were alive. And do, Charles, 
listen to the extraordinary confusion of a hundred parrots all 
chattering at the same time.” 


THE MEllTON FAxMlLY. 


31 


“ And doubtless,” said Charles, “ they are holding a very 
pleasant conversazione. Look at that old green fellow, he 
has noticed us, and now, with his head turned on one side, he 
is looking very significantly at his companion, and declaring 
his opinion of us. 1 will tell you what the impertinent knave 
says : < I say, friend, what do you think of these new arri- 
vals ? 1 see no style about them — no brilliancy. Did you 

ever hear anything so discordant as their shrill, squeaking 
notes ? I conclude they must be some of the stupid wild 
geese, who have made a flight from their dark, cold homes, 
to bask in the sunshine of our bright world.’ ” 

Oh, Charles !” cried Mary, “ I am too old to believe that 
you can understand the language of birds, like the gifted 
vizier in the wonderful Arabian tales. Even papa, who 
knows all the languages of men, does not pretend to know 
those of animals.” 

“Well, calm your indignation, my fair cousin; and to 
atone for my fault, I will purchase the critical fellow, and 
present him to you,” said (’harles. And Mary was in great 
delight to take home the handsome bird ; and she set about 
teaching it English on that very day ; for, of the known lan- 
guages, the bird had, till then, only spoken Portuguese. 

Captain Russell called next morning to announce to them 
that he should inevitably be detained a few days longer than 
he had proposed, for six of his best sailors had deserted, and 
he could hear nothing of them, though he strongly suspected 
that they had been tempted to enter an American vessel 
which had sailed the day before for California, as the Captain 
of the ship had been offering high wages for the best sailors 
in Rio. Captain Russell had had several Portuguese sailors 
to offer their services, but, like a true son of John Bull, he 
had a great prejudice against the natives of any country but 
his own ; he was therefore waiting in hopes of meeting with 
English sailors. 

The Mertons accepted the invitation of their host to pass 
a day or two at his country house, to which they were con- 
veyed the same day ; and here they enjoyed in full perfection 
the beauties of tropical scenery. The climate in the country 
of Rio is delicious ; an equal temperature keeps up a perpe- 
tual spring, and neither winter nor summer withers or destroys 
the verdure. The house was large, airy, and richly furnished, 


32 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


and the ladies welcomed them with courtesy and kindness. 
They were well-bred and graceful, but seemed to possess few 
intellectual resources, spending the day in dressing, eating 
fruit, or playing on the guitar. 

The young Europeans took great interest in looking over 
the farm, which consisted not only of grazing-lands, which 
fed multitudes of cattle, but also of a coffee plantation of 
live thousand trees in full bearing, cultivated by slaves, 
under the inspection of over-lookers. 

‘‘ Do observe, Matilda,” said Tom, “ the elegance of the 
slender stem, the beauty of the white jasmine-looking flower, 
and the red berry, like a small cherry, all in perfection at the 
same time. How little I expected we should have had this 
gratification ; I am already delighted with America, where 
everything is so new and interesting.” 

“ To enjoy to perfection the grandeur of new and foreign 
scenery,” observed Dr. Lewis, “ a man ought either to be a 
painter, to feel the pleasure of painting in his mind an ideal 
picture of the whole before him; a geologist, to look with 
interest and admiration at the naked rock, and trace its gra- 
dual formation ; or a botanist, to whom every blade of grass 
is a page in the Book of Nature, and who perceives, amidst 
the wealth of vegetation, those minute distinctions which 
create the harmony of the whole.” 

There were certainly great attractions in a country resi- 
dence in this delicious climate. The young men had riding, 
fishing, and sailing under skies ever clear and bright ; and 
the ladies reclining in bowers simultaneously, fragrant in 
blossoms and rich in fruits, playing, singing, conversing, but 
rarely reading. Aud when Captain Russell joined them to 
say they must be at Rio to embark next day, it was not with- 
out reluctance they took leave of the glorious woods, where 
the trees, closing above, formed natural avenues, and the 
bright sunbeams shone through leaves of every shade, from 
the dark green of the stranger pine to the paler hue of the 
natives of the tropics. In these shades millions of gorgeous 
butterflies floated lazily on the air, and the long grass beneath 
their feet was noisy with the eternal chirping of the cicada. 

But they were compelled to depart. Captain Bussell had 
manned his vessel^ and, leaving behind him some English 
goods, had completed his lading with rice, cotton and sugar 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


33 


Th«y took leave of their hospitable friends, and once more 
found themselves confined in the cabins of the Maypo, and 
•ailing on the mighty Atlantic, 


CHAPTER III. 

Continuation of the voyage. Porpoises. Cape Horn, The mutiny. 
Dr. Lewis obtains the promise of liberty for his friends. They are 
put out to sea in an open boat. Perilous voyage on an unknown 
sea. Landing on a rocky coast. 

Fair winds and calm skies accompanied them on their 
voyage for some time. Captain Russell seemed to forget his 
sorrows in the society of the cheerful young people, and in 
listening to the words of pious consolation from good Mr. 
Merton. His vessel was well manned for he had met with a 
party of eight English sailors, who professed a great desire to 
make the voyage round the Cape ; and, only too grateful to 
find English hands suited to his purpose, the captain engaged 
them all, as they refused to be separated. He was perfectly 
.content with their services ; ^ut the young Mertons regretted 
the loss of the good-natured follows who had accompanied 
them from England, and they pronounced the new sailors to 
be cross, dl-tempered men. 

There was little variety to amuse them for many days ; 
but at length they had the pleasure of seeing an im- 
mense shoal of porpoises, extrordinary creatures, which, by a 
series of jumps, cut their way through the deeply-furrowed 
water. Mary, whose character was less reflecting than that 
of her sister, and whose geographical studies had not made a 
profound impression on her, was perfectly amazed at the great 
distance they had sailed, and that they were now only in the 
latitude of Buenos Ayres. 

“ Why cannot we land there at once said she ; ‘‘ it is 
but a little way across the continent to Valparaiiro, which is 
nearly opposite ; and we could soon cross to it by land, which 
T have no doubt would be much pleasanter than this dull 
Toyaging.” ^ 


2i 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


<< About a thousand miles, child,” said Jack, laughing, 
“and no pleasant road either, if we may trust the travellers 
who have crossed the Pampas and the Andes. Mary j you 
had forgotten the terrific Andes, with their snow crowned 
heights.” 

“ Moreover,” said Charles, “ Buenos Ayres is not one of 
our stations ; and good-natured as Captain Bussell is, he would 
not, I believe, turn his vessel from its course to land us in 
the river La Plata. Therefore, my dear Mary, you must be 
content to voyage, like a good sailor, round the formidable 
stormy Cape.” 

And time went on, and at length they caught a distant 
view of high, bleak mountains, which. Captain Bussell told 
them, where the inhospitable shores of Tierra-del-Fuego. All 
the young people were now anxious to behold the fearful 
Cape they must soon reach ; the Cape of Storms, the terror 
of the early navigators, the rocky point which had frowned 
on many a scene of terror, woe, and death. They watched 
with interest for its appearance, and, when shrouded in mists, 
the lofty, black, barren rock was seen stretching into the sea, 
in gloomy sublimity, they felt awed by its neighborhood, and 
Mary whispered to her more philosophic sister her dread 
lest the black mountain should draw the vessel towards it, 
and destroy them all, like the loadstone rock of the Eastern 
Tales. 

Then Mr. Merton related to his children the perils of the 
adventurous Anson, and of succeeding voyagers, who follow- 
ed his course, amid dangers and sufferings that tinged their 
adventures with a thrilling and romantic interest ; nor did 
this great promontory, the worthy limit of a mighty con- 
tinent, permit our voyagers to pass without some demon- 
stration of its power. Many days of westerly winds and 
driving sleet, days of hard labor to the sailors, and alarm 
to the passengers, were passed before they left the Atlantic 
and entered the Pacific, in tempestuous weather, which re- 
tarded their northern progress, and made the most patient 
long for a termination of the tedious voyage 

The boys especially who had enjoyed on the voyage to Bio 
the long stories of the good-natured sailors, and who spent 
many an hour in acquiring that knowledge of nautical mat- 
ters, so fascinating to boys, were now rarely among the crew 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


35 


for the surly manners of the new sailors prevented any inti- 
macy with them. “Papa,” said Tom, “I fear Will Hardy 
is a very wicked man ; I heard him tell some of the sailors 
who left England with us, to ‘ never heed the bullying of the 
captain, but to stick to him : they would let the captain see 
who was master, and would have their pockets full of Cali- 
fornian gold before long.’ I could not help speaking, papa ; 
I said the Maypo was not going so far north as California : 
but before I could speak another word, he gave me a box on 
the ear, and bid me mind my own business, and speak when 
I was spoken to.” 

“ I beseech you, my dear boy,” said Mrs. Merton, in great 
alarm,’“ do not go near those dark scowling men ; I feel a«J 
if we were all completely in their power.” 

Dr. Lewis laughed at the lady’s timidity. “ Pray have no 
fears, my dear madam,” said he ; “ rely on it, that in a well- 
regulated vessel the captain is a petty despot, and however 
numerous his crew or his passengers may be, all must obey 
his nod. But for your satisfaction, I will always accompany 
the boys when they visit the main-deck, and take care they 
have no disagreement with the men. I believe Will Hardy 
to be an audicious, violent fellow, but I do not think him 
dangerous.” 

“ And yet. Dr. Lewis,” observed Mr. Merton, “ we have 
historical evidence that men, led astray by the love of gold, or 
the m.«ane thirst for blood, have risen in mutiny, despising 
authority, and swept away from their path the innocent and 
the helpless.” 

“ Take courage, papa,” exclaimed Jack ; “I will fight like 
a true born Englishman, if we have a mutiny. Will Hardy 
is a saucy, revengeful rascal, and hates Captain Russell, be- 
cause he was put into confinement for two days when he 
broached the rum-cask. I say Charlie, where is the gun- 
nery ?” 

“ Really I cannot say. Jack,” replied Charles languidly. 
“ My duelling pistols I have of course, in my dressing-case : 
but the fowling-pieces, rifles, and ammunition, I left to Wil- 
son to pack. I believe I have a sword or something of the 
sort in the cabin.” 

“ And I shall certainly not trouble your fine gentleman 
valet to seek for the rifles,” said Jack ; “ but if you will give me 


36 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


leave, cousin Charles, I will turn over the baggage till I meet 
with them, and we will fit up an armory here. What do 
you say to it Dr. Lewis 

“ I have no objection to your plan, most valiant hero,” 
said the doctor, “ though I feel satisfied that it is quite 
unnecessary j we are under a secure government. Master 
Jack.” 

“ I wish you may find it so,” cried Nanny, who had been 
listening to their discourse. “ I like none of that Will Har- 
dy, he’s just a born good-to-nought j and all them saucy 
chaps that came along wi’ him, are no better than they should 
be. Didn’t I hear him incense them about gold in lumps like 
a man’s head that was to be had for picking up, if they were 
at the right place; and then he spat out his quid, and tram- 
pled it under his foot, and said, ‘ that, for the captain and his 
surly mate ; this bonny ship is ours, my brave lads,’ and then 
he swore such awful oaths, that he never would set his foot 
among them proud Spanish folks at Valparaiso, that I trem- 
bled again ; and sure enough, I would have gone right to the 
captain to tell him all ; but poor body, he always seems so 
mopish and down-hearted, I pitied to make him worse.” 

Truly, Nanny,” said Dr. Lewis, you are a keen obserr 
ver ; Captain Eussel and I must have some conversation about 
these reports of yours ; but many mutinous words do not 
amount to an act of mutiny. Nevertheless, we will take care 
that Will Hardy shall go no further in his plans.” 

“ Well it will be, if you can stop him now, sir,” exclaimed 
Nanny. “ He has some good hackers, depends on it ; and I 
wish in my heart we all had our feet set cannilu on dry 
land!” 

Though Dr. Lewis to spare the feelings of the timid, had 
laughed at these tales, he did not feel altogether comfortable; 
and proceeding at once to the captain’s cabin he communi- 
cated to him the suspicious words uttered by Will Hardy and 
his associates. The captain, absorbed in the remembrance of 
his domestic afflictions, spent much time in his cabin, and 
had never himself noticed any signs of insubordination among 
his crew ; but startled by the report of Dr. Lewis he imme- 
diately summoned his mate, repeated the facts, and demand- 
ed his opinion on the matter. The mate, a trustworthy and 
excellent seaman, was, nevertheless, a stern and severe man. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


3T 


disliked by the sailors. He frowned at the recital, declared 
that he believed Will Hardy to be a desperate villain, ripe 
for any crime ; and proposed that the captain should imme- 
diately order him into irons. 

“ That I will certainly not advise,” said the cool-headed 
Dr. Lewis, “ The expressions used by him, might only be 
idle words to terrify the children and Nanny; in which case 
the punishment would be severe, if not unjust ; and if the men 
should really mean mischief, such a proceeding might be 
dangerous, and likely to hurry mmtters to a conclusion. But 
we must all be watchful and prepared, till the suspected men 
can be got rid of.” 

The knaves know well enough what they are about,” said 
the mate ; nothing of this was heard till we had passed the 
Cape, where we might have landed them ; and they defy us 
to do it now, three hundred miles off any port.” 

Captain Russell, now thoroughly roused, went on deck im- 
mediately with the mate, and Dr. Lewis returned to his 
friends. He found Jack already arranging his armoury, and 
after admiring his promptitude, he ventured, without alarm- 
ing them unnecessarily, to suggest the prudence of arranging 
all their most valuable possessions in such a manner as to 
make their removal convenient, ia case they should be driven 
to the necessity of launching the long boat, to escape from 
the disorderly crew. 

A loud noise of voices, and trampling of fe*t en the deck, 
announced a crisis at hand, and the young men armed them- 
selves, to defend their parents and sisters. Nanny, quite in 
her element, when active measures were needed, scolded the 
whole party for leaving England, abused the captain and his 
crew, kicked about the boxes, declared she ought to have 
been told about the shifting days before ; but worked actively, 
and made every one else work, all the time. Once more she 
corded the boxes that had been opened, collected the knives, 
forks, and spoons from the table, and put them into her ca- 
pacious pockets, tied a tea-kettle to the top of one box, and 
a large iron kettle to another. Einally, she drew the blan- 
kets from the beds, and made each person wrap one round 
him, and was just attempting to roll up a mattress, when the 
door flew open, and two men entered, bearing the ghastly 


38 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

figure of Will Hardy, covered with blood, with one arm hang- 
ing useless, broken by a ball. 

“ Here’s a job for you, Mr. Doctor,” said one of the men ; 
look aft-er Will and set him right. We can’t spare him.” 

« Rash and wicked men !” cried Mr. Merton ; “ what are 
you about ? Know you not that you are violating the laws 
of Grod and man ?” 

One of the ruffians replied by pointing a pistol at the speak- 
er. Dr. Lewis dashed it from his hand, and said in a com- 
manding tone, “We are all armed, and if you injure a per- 
son in this cabin, you shall die, and your leader must perish 
for want of assistance. Spare my friends, and, by God’s help, 
I will save his life.” 

“ Give me some of your drugs,” groaned the sufferer, “ to 
stop this pain, and let me have the use of my limbs again ; 
and I swear to you, you shall all go free.” 

The doctor made a sign to his friends to leave all to him ; 
then, with the assistance of the young men and of Nanny, who 
could not however, forbear groaning out her disapprobation 
of the deed, he extracted the ball, set the arm, placed the 
exhausted sufferer on a sofa, and dressed his wounds. He 
then prepared an opiate to administer to him. 

“ What’s that stuff you are going to give me ?” asked 
Will. 

The doctor explained to him the nature and the effects of 
the draught. The man was silent for a few minutes, and then 
said, — 

“ Do you mean to stay, and be one of us Doctor ?” 

“ I do not understand you. Will,” answered the doctor ; 
“ I know there has been some altercation ; but where are the 
captain and the mate 

Never you mind,” said the wretched man ; “ they’ll never 
put irons on another poor fellow : they’ve got their due.” 

Dr. Lewis was inexpressibly shocked ] he saw murder had 
been committed. On further inquiries, the man did not deny 
the fact ; and when the good doctor reminded him of his peril- 
ous state of soul and body, he found him hardened in guilt 
and scoffing at repentance. 

“ You may as well speak out, and say whether you will 
join or not,” said the reckless villain. “ Think of yourself, 
man ; for if you send me to sleep, ten to one but my chaps 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


39 


cut all your tliroatS) that you mayn’t have a chance of turn" 
ing informers.” 

“ Then, certainly, Will,” said Dr. Lewis, calmly, “ I not 
only refuse to become an accessary to mutiny and murder, 
but, if I should be spared to reach any shore where the laws 
of civilized nations are recognised, I should consider it my 
first duty to report your lawless proceedings to the proper 
authorities.” 

Will swore dreadfully when he heard the resolution of his 
doctor, who only noticed it by reminding him that the excite- 
ment of anger would endanger his life. He was silent for a 
few minutes, and then said : — 

“ You have done your best for me ; and I swore you should 
escape with your lives j so I will give you and these white- 
faced loons a chance. Call Jack Allen.” 

Jack Allan was summoned, and received orders from his 
commander to put out a boat, to let the passengers have such 
of their property as they choose to take, as well as a cask of 
water, and one of biscuits, with a bag of rice ; to see that they 
embarked immediately, and then to send them off to their 
fate. These orders were mingled with execrations and fiend- 
ish laughs. 

It was with fainting hearts that the half-distracted party 
collected their moveables and went on deck, the ladies tremb- 
ling and not daring to look round, lest they should see some 
bloody record of crime. Their boxes were lowered into the 
boat. Jack and Tom, taking care to bring the rifles and am- 
munition, descended to arrange all in some order. Dr. Lewis 
once more visited his patient, gave proper directions for his 
treatment, administered the anodyne, and then went with all 
speed on deck, anxious that no delay should prevent their 
escape from that blood-stained vessel, though the alternative 
was to plunge into unknown dangers. 

Mr. Merton, with his wife and daughters weeping and ter- 
rified, first embarked, and were followed by Nanny. Dr. 
Lewis looked round for Charles, who was calling out loudly for 
his valet. He was answered by a laugh of derision from a 
group of the sailors, who were watching the departure of the 
passengers. At length the elegant Mr. Wilson turned 
round, and, with a suoercilious air, inquired who was calling 
on him. 


4 


40 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 


“ Come, Wilson, be quick,” cried his master, impatiently ; 

look after my portmanteau and dressing-case, and follow 
mu immediately.” 

Thank you, Mr. Villars,” said the man sarcastically, 
« but I have had quite enough of servitude. I am your mas- 
ter now ; and I would recommend you, for old acquaintance’ 
sake, to jump into the boat and make off before the wind 
changes. If Will goes this bout, you will all have to follow 
your friend the captain, depend on itj and he was sent to sea 
without a boat. A good voyage to you all. I’m off with 
the jolly rovers, to lead an easier life than I did with you and 
all your tantrums.” 

Dr. Lewis seized the arm of Charles, and forced him away, 
for he saw the men were regarding him with an evil eye. In 
another minute they were all in the boat, and before the rope 
was loosed, Wilson threw the portmanteau down, exclaiming, 

There, that’s more than you deserve ; but I know you like 
a bit of dress ; and after all, you’re not a bad fellow, if you 
wouldn’t give yourself such grand airs.” 

The crew gave three cheers as the little boat parted from 
the vessel, and Mrs. Merton covering her face, cried out, 
“ Heaven preserve us ! What will become of us ! We shall 
all be lost on this dark ocean which spreads before us, with- 
out a landmark of hope !” 

Papa, do you and Nanny just look to mamma,” cried 
Jack ; “ she is very pale ; but she need not fear. Depend on 
it, Tom and I will row away as hard as we can from those 
desperate fellows. See, here are our oars and- sails. We 
want nothing, papa, but stout hearts and a fair wind.” 

" Brave boy !” said Dr. Lewis ; “ I have little nauctical 
skill, but I will try to help you. And here is Mr. Yil- 
lars.” 

“ Oh ! Charley is a first-rate hand,” said Jack. “ Why, at 
Cambridge he was always A I in boating-matches. We may 
rely on him as a sure help.” 

“ Really, boys,” said Charles, in a languid voice, « I fear 
you rely on a broken reed. Consider how many years have 
passed since I addicted myself to such violent plebian exer- 
cises. I will try an oar ; but I apprehend that, as my gloves 
are of peculiarly delicate kid, they will soon be worn out by 
the friction, and I shall thus be wholly incapacitated.” 


4 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


41 


“ How exceedingly absurd you can be when you choose, 
cousin Charles,” said Matilda. But no one cares for your 
affectations here. Go on rowing, and when Charles’s gloves 
are worn out, Mary and I will work at the oars without 
gloves.” 

Charles laughed at this spirited rebuke, and, somewhat 
ashamed, took up an oar, and began to work vigorously, with- 
out any thought of his gloves. The four young men con- 
tinued for an hour to row, without further aim than to lose 
sight of the fatal vessel. When this was really done, Mr. 
Merton, speaking for the first time, laid his hand on Tom’s 
arm, and said, 

‘‘ My dear children, pause a moment, and let us consider, 
first, where we really are, and next, what port or shore we 
ought to endeavor to reach. You are all exhausting your 
strength without any definite aim. It may be that we are 
rushing into greater dangers than those from which we 
have escaped.” 

Dr. Lewis fortunately possessed a small pocket compass, 
and, on duly discussing the business, he recommended that 
they should immediately make to the east ; for, as they could 
not be far south of Chili, if they did not land in some hospi- 
table port, they might at all events, find shelter and aid to 
reach a civilized country. 

But night came on, and, exhausted with their labors they 
hoisted a sail : the wind blowing strong from the south, drove 
their little bark for many hours northward. They watched 
alternately during the night, and morning light revealed to 
them, high above a heavy mist, that shut out all below 
them, the snow-crowned heights of the lofty Andes, gleaming 
at a great distance to the east. 

But, remote as this was, it was still a landmark ; and their 
delight was great at the prospect of leaving that deep, dark 
ocean, which, though it had yet been tranquil, might in a 
moment rise and overwhelm them. They made a breakfast 
on biscuit and water, a very r^ecessary refreshment, though 
it did not accord with Charles Yillar’s notions of « a good 
breakfast,” and then once more resumed the oars, using every 
effort to approach the coast. But the wind did not favor 
them, and their exertions seemed all in vain 5 they passed 


42 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


rapidly over the water towards the north, but did not appear 
to get nearer to the shore. 

Charles forgot his affectation, and worked so hard, that he 
not only wore out his gloves, but the skin came off his hands, 
and still they saw no land, but the dark and mist-enveloped 
mountains looming through the clouds. Nanny relieved 
Charles at the oar, and her hard hand bore the labor well. — 
l^ven Mr. Merton and the girls tried a few strokes while the 
bo}^ rested, and by their unskilfulness created a laugh, 
which was beneficial to all. 

“ Do you think, papa,” asked Mary, “ that we are near 
Robinson CTusoe’s island % 1 should very much like to laud 

on it, if we could be quite certain that the savages were not 
there.” 

‘‘Alas, my child !” replied Mr. Merton , “ though we have 
no means of ascertaining our position with certainty. I fear^ 
we may reckon on being at least eight degrees south of that 
charming region ; and, should we succeed in landing on any 
island in this inhospitable climate, it can only be a chill and 
barren swamp.” 

“We will try, if possible, to reach the mainland,” said 
Dr. Lewis ; “ for if we are even compelled to land on a deso- 
late shore, we may go on to the north till we arrive at civili- 
zed spots. Take courage, Mrs. Merton, — you are surrounded 
by brave protectors ; we have freedom, a good boat, provi- 
sion, and. a calm sea. Rely on our arms to bring you to port.” 

Mrs. Merton did not certainly complain, but her look of 
suffering and misery gave great pain to her husband and 
children. Nanny, at length, out of patience, added her sharp 
remonstrances to Dr. Lewis’s soothing assurances. 

“ I cannot bide this, mistress,” said she. “ See how they 
are all toiling like so many slaves, and not a bit of skin left 
on their poor hands ; and I wonder what you, poor helpless 
body, could do without them. Sit up a bit, I say, and look 
cheery at the lads : it’s enough to break their hearts to see 
your down-heartedness.” 

Nanny’s words were not without effect on the dependent 
Mrs. Merton; she roused herself to take some interest in 
their arduous work, and their unwearied look-out to the east. 
At length they were encouraged by the discovery of a dim 
hazy line of coast, towards which the continued south wind 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


43 


prevented their direct approach. Many rocky islands were 
scattered round, but they seemed barren and desolate, and, 
surrounded by breakers, were inaccessible to the little boat. 

After many hours’ struggling and laboring at the oars, 
they got near enough to observe, that gloomy dark rocks, 
perpendicular and lofty, guarded the coast, and were half- 
shrouded with a heavy mist. Here it seemed impossible to 
land, and the most courageous felt a sinking of the heart. — 
Their spirits and strength alike failed, but still they rowed 
on, to survey the coast as near as they durst venture to 
approach it. The lofty heights were covered half-way down 
with dense clouds, which defied the fierce wind which now 
began to blow, and remained immovable. 

“ Here we cannot land,” observed Lewis ; “ let us push 
on, as long as we can hold the oars, along the coast. Surely 
we must reach a mere promising spot than this.” 

They were now evidently in a large gulf, and passed more 
islands, all barren and desolate. Darkness was coming on, 
the wind suddenly changed, and blew furiously from the east, 
forcing them towards the rocky and dangerous coast. They 
abandoned themselves to despair ; they believed their destruc- 
tion inevitable, and expected every moment to be swallowed 
up in some eddying whirlpool, or dashed on the sharp rocks, 
that guarded that inhospitable coast. 

“ My children,” said Mr. Merton, “ our death is certain ; 
let us lift up our souls to Grod.” 

They abandoned their oars and knelt down to pray ; even 
the thoughtless Charles joined them devoutly. They prayed 
earnestly and fervently ; and God heard them. They rose 
from their prayers with calmness and resignation ; they had 
been driven nearer to the coast, and the keen eye of Di . 
Lewis detected a narrow inlet. He called on them to resume 
their oars, and they rowed with hope and cheerfulness, and 
at length brought their frail boat safely into the inlet, which 
seemed to be the mouth of a river. They labored with pain 
and difficulty to ascend the stream, v/hich rushed between 
high clifis overhung with trees. At length they reached a 
patch of sandy beach, on the north side of the river, which 
permitted them to land ; and a large beech-tree which grew 
on the spot enabled them to secure the boat, by mooring it to 
the trunk. 


44 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


CHAPTER IV. 

The gloomy Shores below the Andes. The Cave of Refuge. Domes- 
tic Arrangement. The Morning Survey, The failure of Provisions 

The Fishing Expedition. Shooting in the V/oods. The Water-fowl. 

The Return of the Fishing Party. 

They looked round, and perceived by the dim light, that 
they had landed on a spot scattered thickly with dwarfish 
trees and bushes, backed by steep wooded rocks, rising one 
above another, and spreading on towards the lofty Cordillera, 
piercing the clouds. 

The first care of the children, after removing Mrs. Merton 
from the boat, almost insensible from cold and terror, was to 
form for her a dry resting-place, by spreading their blankets 
and cloaks on the beech, till they could find some sort of 
shelter from the chill and moist night air. The boys then, 
with Hr. Lewis, ascended the banks, and looked round for 
some place of refuge, but in vain ; they could see nothing 
but the dark jungle ; and they decided, therefore, to return 
and unlade the boat, as well for the security of their property 
from accidents, as to obtain the means of raising a temporary 
tent with the sails. 

While the young men were occupied in removing the casks 
and boxes beyond the reach of a rising tide, Matilda and 
Mary had made their way through, or rather over, the thick 
jungle, till they reached a cliff grown over with luxuriant, 
creeping plants. Passing along the face of the eliff, Mary, in 
stooping down to disentangle her dress, discovered a very 
low opening. Through this she crept fearlessly, and finding 
it led into a spacious cave, she did not wait a moment, but 
returned to her sister ; and they flew lightly back to their 
friends to announce their happy discovery, Mary assuring her 
mamma that her cave was quite as good as that of Robinson 
Crusoe. 

‘‘ But I cannot live in a cave,” ejaculated Mrs. Merton in 
a tone of despair ) “ go on my children, and leave me here to 
die.” 

“ A likely thing, indeed, for us to do !” answered Nanny. 
“ Come, mistress, brisk up a bit, and somehow or another, 
we’ll get you on to see what sort of a place these sharp bairns 
have picked us out.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


45 


“ Besides, my dear Mrs. Merton,” said Lewis, « we Iiave 
the use of our hands, and we should none of us choose to sit 
down idly to dwell in a cave. But we shall be glad to make 
this cave our hotel for the night, if it be habitable, and if we can 
find no better shelter j for you must allow my dear Mrs. Mer- 
ton, our need of shelter is urgent.” 

“ But I shudder to think on the danger which my child has 
run,” said Mrs. Merton. “ Why did you venture alone into 
a place which probably may be the den of a bear, or some 
other ferocious beast, from whose claws you have been pro- 
videntially preserved?” 

“ But I believe, papa,” observed Tom, that none of the 
ursi are found in South America. We y-e informed that the 
black bear, an animal that feeds on fruit, roots, and honey, 
is common in North America down to the Isthmus of Panama; 
the dangerous grisly bear, the terror of man and beast, 
ranges the Rocky Mountains, spreading destruction as he 
goes ; but this monstrous and ferocious animal has never yet, 
1 believe, been found in the woods of the Andes.”' 

“ Tom is quite correct,” said Br. Lewis, and we need not 
have any fear of intruding on a bear.” 

“ Of course not,” said Mary : “ I should certainly have 
seen the owner, if there had been one, for I looked keenly 
round. And I am quite sure you will be all delighted with 
the very comfortable lodging I have selected for you.” 

Dr. Lewis and Tom had carried Mrs. Merton between them, 
and they soon reached the rock ; but when they were shown 
the low narrow entrance, they all shrunk back, a little start- 
led. At length Lewis and Jack crawled through, carrying with 
them some dry branches, and having struck a light, they kin- 
dled a fire and surveyed the cavern. They decided that it 
would at any rate, be desirable as a shelter for the night, as 
it was spacious, dry, and airy, from numerous loopholes in the 
rock In walking round, they discovered a wide opening not 
far from the first, which would afford a more convenient en- 
trance, though it was quite concealed by creeping plants on 
the face of the rock. Through this opening they emerged and 
joined their anxious friends, who had become alarmed for 
their safety. 

On the representation of the two surveyors, the whole party 
ventured to enter, Mrs. Merton shuddered as she gazed round 


46 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


on this vast dungeon, and Nanny screamed loudly at the sight 
of some bats flitting about, disturbed by the light 5 but the 
conviction that this dry and secure shelter was their only re- 
fuge from the dangers of the night, reconciled the most fas- 
tidious to minor inconveniences. 

All now was bustle and activity. While Nanny settled 
Mrs. Merton on a couch of cloaks, Mary and Matilda collect- 
ed dry twigs, and soon raised an enormous Are ; and as the 
cave was floored with dry fine sand, it really looked comfort- 
able. Dr. Lewis suggested the prudence of removing all 
their effects to this place of safety, and, with the assistance 
of Tom, Jack, and Charles, accomplished this work of great 
labor ; then, after Nanny had filled her kettles with fresh 
water from the river, they rolled pieces of rock, to secure the 
two places of entrance. Then Jack declared their castle was 
impregnable. 

The largest chest was selected for a table, smaller boxes 
formed seats, and they sat round the fire, enjoying the warmth 
till the tea-kettle boiled. 

“ I took care of the tea and sugar,” said Nanny, ‘‘ for I 
knew, mistress, you would get on badly without them, if we 
got among the savages, like what the little lasses read to me, 
wild creaters that eat raw flesh like brute beasts. But, laws 
me ! Matilda, honey, haven’t I gone and never thought of 
tea-cups !” 

“ I am quite astonished at you, Nanny,” answered Matil- 
da. “ Now, observe how thoughtful I have been. Beflect.. 
ing on our probable wants, I took care to bring away six of 
the small tin cups of the cabin, which we disliked so much to 
use there ; but I considered they could be carried with less 
danger than glass or china, to serve out the water in the boat. 
Now we shall be compelled to use them for tea-cups , and 
everbody ought to thank me for my prudence.” 

But everybody did not thank Matilda ; on the contrary, 
her brothers laughed at her vanity ; Mr. Merton began se- 
riously to consider some theory for the correction of conceit 
and vanity ; and, above all, Dr. Lewis, the friend and instruc- 
tor of the clever little girl, shook his head reprovingly ; and 
this made her feel a little ashamed of her boasting. Nor was 
she much gratified to see her mamma’s disgust at the sight of 
tea served in a tin cup, made in a kettle, and without milk. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


i1 

But fatigue and cold compelled her to swallow the tea ; and 
it was astonishing to see the exhilarating effect produced 
on the Wearied voyagers by their simple supper of tea and 
biscuit. 

After supper, all hands were again at work ; the boxes were 
piled up to form a separate bcd-chamber for the gentlemen, 
and for his couch each had his blanket. The single mattress 
they had been able to bring away was spread for Mrs. Merton ; 
the cloaks and blankets made beds for the little girls. Mr. 
Merton read prayers, with more than usual devotion, with a 
special thanksgiving for their deliverance from the dangers 
of the sea. Then Nanny made up a good fire, and they lay 
down and slept as soundly as if the cares of to-morrow were 
nothing. 

But the dawn of ing brought serious thoughts to every 
heart, of the first step to be taken in their strange position. 
Dr. Lewis rose with the light, called Charles and the boys, 
and with them left the cave to look round at the prospect the 
light of day should reveal to them. They dimed the most 
accessible part of the cliff, till they reached a sort of platform 
covered with jungle, over which they walked for some dis- 
tance. Tom found that this thicket consisted of barberries, 
covered with fruit not yet ripe, arbutus, and dwarf beech- 
trees ; and he was satisfied, for he should here obtain new bo- 
tanical specimens. Their progress was soon arrested by still 
higher cliffs rising towards the mountains. They walked for- 
ward towards the north for a few hundred yards, and at length 
an open vista showed them the mighty Pacific breaking against 
perpendicular cliffs on the one hand, whilst on the other side 
rose the frowning barrier of the Andes. There was a stern 
and gloomy air of solitude in the grand scene ; and it was 
with much awe that even the young and thoughtless boys 
looked upon hill rising above hill, all thickly clothed with 
dark woods, and all, apparently, untrodden by man. 

It seems impossible to penetrate farther inland,” said 
Tom, ‘‘ especially for females : and dear mamma would cer- 
tainly die of fatigue or fright if she attempted it. Would it 
be possible. Dr. Lewis, for us to ascend the river in the 
boat 

“ Certainly not, for any distance,” answered Lewis. “ It 
is plain that the riyer flows from the Cordillera, and must be 


48 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


a torrent higher up, where a boat would be useless. I see 
no means of our leaving the retreat, which has sheltered us, 
but returning to the boat, descending tk« river, and making 
another struggle against the perils of the ocean.” 

Charles shrugged his shoulders, and protested against such 
madness ; and even Tom and Jack, whose love for the sea it 
required much to quell, looked sorrowfully at their lace- 
rated hands, and had evidently no desire to take up the oars 
again. 

I don’t see why we should not cross the Andes,” said 
Jack, stoutly j other travellers have done it, and why should 
not we try ? Let us make a litter, and turn the oars into 
poles for it, it well be ten times easier to carry mamma than 
to tug at the heavy work of rowing. 

“ Your proposal is exceedingly absurd,” returned Tom — 
“ Do you not perceive that, to cross these fearful mountains, 
we must pass over the region of perpetual snow ; and without 
guides, mules, or horses, we should inevitably be lost.” 

“ At all events, my dear boys,” said Dr. Lewis, smiling at 
their discussion, “ T believe we must try the ocean before 
the mountain. But let us return now, and petition for some 
breakfast, for I, at least, am very hungry.” 

They returned laden with dry brusWood for fuel, as a 
propitiation to the household goddess, Nanny, whom they 
found active and busy, and rather more amiable than she had 
been the preceding evening. Mrs. Merton had reminded her 
that one of the chests contained a silver tea-service, a present 
from Charles Villars, when he came of age, te his kind and 
gentle aunt, who had valued it too much to leave it behind 
her. Nanny grumbled a little about the fish of opening 
boxes ; but, being assisted by the cheerful girls, the cords 
and nails were soon removed, and the silver teapot and sugar- 
basin, and a damask tablecloth, taken from the box. ^J'he 
breakfast- table was spread, and though the tin cups did 
not harmonize with the glittering silver equipage, the strange 
medley only increased the merriment of the party. Mary 
declared she had never enjoyed a breakfast so much ; the tea 
was so good made with fresh water, and the old dry biscuits 
seemed fresher since they were removed from the close ship ; 
and, to complete the table-service. Dr. Lewis produced three 
small silver cups, which had formed part of the fittings of his 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


49 


medicine- cliest, and which were now presented to the three 
ladies. The tea might have been better with milk, but the 
voyage had accustomed them to this privation. 

Nanny was pleased with her stack of fuel, and, in very 
good humor, said, “ Now, as soon as you’ve done your break- 
fast, one of you must go to the butcher’s shop, and get me a 
joint for dinner, for T tell you there’s none here for you.” 

This was a melancholy fact that no one had thought of, 
and Charles drew such a long face at Nanny’s words, that 
Mary burst into an uncontrollable laugh, for which her sister 
reproved her, and assured Charles that he need not feel 
unhappy, as she had no doubt she should be able to contrive 
something for dinner. These words increased the merriment 
of the young party. 

Bring out your wand at once,” said Jack, « and begin 
your incantation, most potent fairy. Summon the slaves of 
the wa:.d, and order them to provide a sumptuous dinner, 
well cooked, — be very particular about the cooking, for 
Charley is difficult to please.” 

But when the laughter subsided, the stern reality of the 
case appeared somewhat gloomy, and they set about discus- 
sing their situation seriously. After Mr. Merton had received 
a full account of the expedition of the morning. Dr. Lewis 
added : 

“ Now, my dear sir, I should like to have your opinion on 
the steps necessary to take ; for as it appears we have unfor- 
tunately landed on an uninhabited and apparently uninhabi- 
table shore, we shall be compelled to make further exertions. 
My own persuasion is, that it would be desirable to extend 
our voyage northward, if possible, till we may be enabled to 
reach one of the ports of Chili.” 

“Oh, Mr. Merton!” exclaimed his alarmed wife. “I 
trust you will never consent to such a plan. I would sooner 
die here than enter that dreadful boat again, I cannot endure 
the sea. Why should we not go inland ? Surely, if we per- 
severed in going forward, we should at length meet with 
some human beings to pity and help us. Or I will even be 
content to remain here : wretched as this cave is, I can endure 
it better than the terrors of the sea.” 

“ Why is it impossible,” asked Mr. Merton, much distressed 
at his wife’s agitation, “ to travel north by land along the 
4 


50 


ADVJJNTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


coast ? I am of opinion that such an experiment should first 
be tried. I have, in fact, myself no love for maritime 
adventure, and would gladly remain on the shore, and in the 
quiet retreat to which the mercy of Giod has conducted us.” 

“ Papa was not cut out for a sailor,” said Jack. But, 
Dr, Lewis, wouldn’t it be a good plan to have a look at the 
shore by daylight 

“ I was about to propose this plan,” replied Lewis. I 
hope Mr. Merton will not object to our taking the boat down 
to the mouth of the river, and making a survey of the coast. 
We might be able to discover some more favorable landing 
place, and, at all events, catch a dish of fish for dinner.” 

“ There’s some sense in that !” exclaimed Nanny. “ Take 
your rods and nets, my good lads, and be ofi*, and see to get 
some trout, or maybe a salmon, and we’ll not starve. But 
you’ll not get me into either boat or ship again — I’ll bide 
with mistress. This is but a sad jail of a place ; but if I had 
just a bonny cow, and a bit of a poultry-yard, I could bide 
here ten times sooner than in your crazy boats, or among 
such murdering sailor chaps. Lord save us !” 

Dr. Lewis was disappointed at the reluctance shown to 
the plan, which he still considered the wisest ; but, hoping that 
time would reconcile every one to it, he profited by a reluc- 
tant permission extorted from Mr. Merton, and aj’ranged the 
the fishing-party. Charles had one of his com, ^>n fits of 
indolence, and declined to accompany them' but Tom and 
Jack soon produced all their fishing-tackle from the great 
chest, and, with Dr. Lewis, entered the boat, and with very 
little labor rowed down the stream. 

' They were no sooner out of sight, than Charles felt a little 
ashamed of his idleness ; he took his rifle from the case, 
looked out his powder and shot, and asked Mr. Merton if he 
thought there would be any good sport in the woods. 

“lam unfortunately unable to ascertain the latitude we 
have reached,” answered Mr. Merton ; “ had we landed as 
far north as the fertile country of Chili, you might have 
obtained birds, curious and valuable. On the coast the pen- 
guin (Diomedea ckilensis), a link between the tribes of the 
air and the ocean ; or by the rivers the beautiful flamingo 
[Phmnicopterus chilensis)] besides the condor and ostrich^ 
and the innumerable variety of humming-birds.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


61 


“ Get us a fat goose, or a couple of ducks, if you can, Mas* 
ter Charles,” interrupted Nanny. I shouldn’t know how 
to set about cooking them birds, with such crabbed names.” 

“ I will try for something eatable, depend on it, Nanny,” 
said Charles, laughing. 

“ And I will go with you, Cousin Charles, to pick up the 
game, and to search for eggs,” said Mary. 

“ If there are any eggs to be found,” said Matilda, “ your 
giddy head will never discover them. I must go myself, of 
course, and then I can take care of you. But in case we should 
lose our way, we ought to have a post with a signal erected 
here *; and that I certainly shall not attempt to rear.” 

“ That I will undertake,” cried Mary. ‘‘ If Nanny will 
lend me her scarlet cloak, you will see what an admirable 
signal I will hang out.” 

“ I request you to leave the matter in my hands,” said 
Matilda, gravely ; I will consider it over ” 

‘‘No time for consideration. Dinner must be provided, and 
Charles has the game to shoot, so up I go,” cried the active 
little girl, as, catching the lower branches, she swung herself 
up a beech-tree ; and, climbing like a squirrel, she tied the 
cloak to the highest bough. 

Charles was now thorougly ashamed, and as he held out 
his arms to assist her to descend, he said : 

“ Dear Mary, what an idle fellow I am ! But you shall 
never climb a tree again ; you have given me a good les- 
son.” 

Attired in the close, warm cloth dresses which had been 
provided for the colder part of their voyage, and which the 
moist climate, even in the summer season, rendered very ne- 
cessary, the sisters set out with Charles to make their way up 
the wooded cliffs, — no easy task : the tangled underwood ob- 
structed their steps, and on the summit of the first hill they 
entered a wood of tall beeches, mingled with a noble tree, 
which Charles recognised as the winter’s bark} and they were 
glad to see also the graceful birch, and a sort of fragrant 
laurel. In the midst of this wood they heard the strange 
notes of a variety of birds, and Mary, in great astonishment, 
cried, — 

“ How very strange, Charles, that the birds of America 
should have a different language from those of Europe. I am 


62 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


certain that little fellow is a redbreast ) he hops up to us as 
familiarly as our own dear English redbreast ; but they would 
never understand each other, for the note of this pretty crea- 
ture is more like the bark of a dog than the song of a bird.’* 

‘‘ This must be the Pteroptochos ruhe.cula^ I rather think,” 
observed Charles ; “ but you must ask your scientific brother 
Tom to describe it to you, Mary, for I am too idle to become 
a lecturer. But, see, there is a flock of birds of the same 
family running along the ground. These are more like game 
than your redbreast, and I shall certainly have a shot at 
them.” 

Charles soon killed half a dozen of these little creatures, 
which resembled fieldfares, but had longer legs. Mary then 
besought him to desist, for she declared it was a positive sin 
to destroy so many lives for one meal. 

“ Let us return to the banks of the river,” proposed Ma- 
tilda. “ I am positive I saw wild fowl up the stream ; and 
wild ducks would make a more substantial dinner than these 
small birds.” 

To this proposal Charles willingly assented, for in truth he 
was more fatigued by walking along the entangled brushwood 
than the light and active girls, and he hoped to find a clearer 
path on the banks of the river. They found the shores over- 
grown with reeds, and the water covered ,with wild ducks, 
geese, and petrels ; the beautiful kingfisher also dipped now 
and then into the streana, and then withdrew to its nest among 
the reeds. 

Charles was quite satisfied with his prospect of sport, and 
thanked Matilda, as he loaded his fowling-piece, for being 
such a capital pointer. 

“ I did not think of your sport when I directed you here, 
Charles,” returned she, honestly \ ‘‘ all my consideration was 
for the larder.” 

And Charles soon provided plentifully for the larder, while 
Mary crept about among the rushes, and filled her pockets with 
eggs. They were now heavily laden, and the road was very 
rough ; but Charles roused himself to unusual exertions ; cut 
some stout branches, to supply the sisters with good walking- 
sticks, and then suspending his heavier game on the end of a 
third pole, he placed it over his shoulder, and with slow steps 
they made their way homewards, guided through the mazy 
woods by Mary’s scarlet signal. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


53 


They reached the cave very weary, long after midday, and 
found that the voyagers had not yet returned, and that Mr. 
and Mrs. Merton were in great anxiety about them. But the 
wearied party were too hungry to be able to wait dinner for 
their friends. It was quite a sufficient trial of their patience 
to wait the process of cooking the game ; but there was no 
help for it : so the girls assisted Nanny to pluck the small 
birds, which were then broiled on sticks laid over the fire, 
dished up on some smooth beech leaves, and eaten with bis- 
cuit and salt, a bag of the latter forming part of Nanny’s 
spoil when they left the vessel. The knives and forks she 
had pocketed at the same time were now invaluable ; but even 
her prudence had forgotten to secure plates, a most offensive 
omission in the eyes of the fastidious. Charles, and a great dis- 
comfort to Mrs. Merton ; but to the light hearted girls only an 
excellent joke, at which they laughed so heartily, that the 
dinner was, in the end, enjoyed by all. 

But as more guests were expected, and the little birds 
were all eaten, it was necessary to turn to the large wild ducks 
they had brought in. Nanny looked at these ducks with dis- 
may, and a strong expression of disgust on her countenance, 
which moved Mary to laughter, a liberty Nanny resented by 
becoming very angry. 

«« Bid ever anybody living set about cooking such a heap of 
outlandish things exclaimed she, wrathfully, as she seized 
and began to tear the feathers from one of the birds. « Them 
that likes may eat ’em, but they’ll not catch me poisoning 
mysel’ with such oily, fishy creatures. Asd please to say. 
Master Charles, how they are to be roasted ?” 

Matilda suggested that the birds should be made into a 
stew, and the iron kettle was suspended over the fire, the 
ducks cut up, and with salt and a little rice, made into a sa- 
vory dish. 

But Nanny’s ilMiumor was not subdued. She began by 
sharply reproaching Mr, Merton for letting people 
him to leave home ; then she accused Charles for taking their 
passage among a den of thieves. As to Br. Lewis, she de- 
clared he must have lost his senses, to bring them to such a 
landing-place, a place so bad that nobody had ever built a 
house there. The sisters were scolded for tearing their froclcs, 
“going scrambling about like lads j” and finally, she said, 


54 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS Off 


that if tlie youths did not return sooa they should fast , she 
had no notion of slaving for them, when they could stay out 
whole days on their pleasure. 

But Nanny’s wrath, though loud, was never lasting or se- 
rious ; she h^ recovered her composure, and was announcing 
that the stew was completed, when the voices of the fisher- 
men were heard singing the “ Canadian Boat Song ” as they 
rowed up the river. The harmony of the three voices had a 
pleasing effect in the solitude of these dark woods^ and filled the 
eyes of Mrs. Merton with tears. She was even roused to go 
outside the cavern to await the arrival of the voyagers ; the 
rest of the family hurrying to the strand to receive the 
light-hearted party. They had filled the only basket they 
had brought from the ship with large trout and fine salmon, 
and at the bottom of the boat lay a quantity of fine oysters 
which they had found on the rocks at the sea. coast. 

This addition to the store of provisions was hailed with 
great satisfaction by Matilda and Nanny, the careful house- 
keepers ; and even Charles, though he had dined before, as- 
sisted in swallowing a few oysters, in order that the large 
convenient shells might be used as plates for the stew, whioh 
the hungry guests applauded as the most savory of dishes, 
never once objecting to the fishy flavor. 


CHAPTER V. 

The Sea or the Mountains ? A second Exploring Voyage. Canni- 
hals of South America. A walk up the Banks of the River. The 
Wild Goose. The Potato. The Voyage determined on. Visit of 
the Indians. Loss of the Boat. Proposed Flight. 

After they had dined, Mrs. Merton anxiously asked if 
they had discovered any mode by which they could be re- 
leased from their present dreary, damp solitude, without in- 
curring the misery of a sea voyage. 

“ Ah, Mrs. Merton !” said Br. Lewis, « if all were consti- 
tuted like you, there would be an end of maritime discovery. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


65 


I know you will not be sorry to learn that, on reaching the 
coast, we found most formidable obstacles to our further pro- 
gress by sea, unless we could contrive to improve our little 
boat. This is an undertaking, however, beyond our power, 
even if we had possessed more mechanical tools than Tom’s 
small carpenter’s chest contains. The coast is guarded by a 
reef of rocks, which we have only avoided by a miracle, and 
which threaten destruction to any who should attempt to cross 
them. The opening through which we must have passed last 
night we could not discover, for the breakers foamed to a 
great distance from the coast. By the aid of my glass, I 
made out several small islands at a distance ; but the danger 
would be very great of any attempt to reach them ; and as 
far as I could judge, they are probably barren and uninha- 
bited. We had intended to put out our boat as far from the 
shore as we could do it with safety, to obtain a wider survey, 
but the tide was ebbing, and we found the undertaking hope- 
less to-day; to-morrow we will choose a more favorable time. 
But everything now convinces me that the mainland is our 
best, I may say, our only hope.” 

‘‘ The mountains, you might as well say, Lewis,” observed 
Tom ; “ for we are certainly even now on the Cordillera, which 
extends down to the ocean. What is your opinion, papa?” 

“ I believe, my son, that your observation is correct,” said 
Mr. Merton. “ It is a source of great regret to me that we 
are deprived of the means of ascertaining our position ; but 
from the observations I have made on the form, and the pro- 
ductions of the coast, I would venture to pronounce that we 
must have landed on the rock-bound shores which extend far 
south of the country of Chili — the very base of the Andes. 
We are probably in the latitude of the forty-two or forty- 
three degrees, a locality full of dangers and difficulties, and 
offering little to interest the inquiring mind.” 

Then, the sooner we leave it the better, papa,” said 
Jack. “ We must either rig up our little craft to fit her for 
a breeze, or we must pack up our property, and set out across 
the Andes.” 

“ How very absurdly you talk. Jack,” said Matilda ; you 
propose to scale the lofty Andes, as if they were our West- 
moreland hills, I am of opinion that you would find this no 
easv undertaking yourself ; and for us, it would be impossible. 


56 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


How could dear mamma ever be got up these precipitous 
mountains 

“ The best conveyance for Mamma,” said Tom, “ would 
certainly be a litter, carried by mules.” 

This observation was received with a burst of mirth, which 
somewhat disconcerted the speculative youth ; and Matilda 
added, You might as well have suggested that we should 
make the journey on an elephant Tom, which we are just as 
likely to meet with here as a mule.” 

Mrs. Merton sighed over her helplessness, which occasioned 
so much care to her children : she almost determined to ex- 
ert herself a little more ; but the habit of inaction, in which 
she had so long indulged, is one of the most difficult of des- 
potic habits to subdue. After considering and discussing 
many measures, nothing was decided on, except that the boat- 
party should revisit *the coast next morning,, to make a fur- 
ther survey. Charles again excused himself from the toil, 
saying, he would go out and shoot some more ducks ; and 
the young ladies sat down to mend their tattered gar- 
ments. 

A store of provisions was made up for the voyagers, con- 
sisting of ducks, cooked as well as ducks could be cooked with 
such inadequate means, and a small supply of biscuit. They 
set out in high spirits, laughing at Charles, who, at the same 
time, sauntered lazily out with his rifle, half ashamed of his 
idleness, but not energetic enough to overcome it. 

After the little girls had tired of their needlework, Mary 
s«iid, “ I wish, dear mamma, that you would try to walk up 
the hanks of the river. There are beautiful trees and flowers, 
and you vroiild be amused to see the quantity of ducks and 
and geese on the water, a little higher up. Certainly, the 
ugly dark- gray ducks are very unlike our dear pretty ducks 
at home ; and the geese are as dingy as the ducks ; but we saw 
one beautiful, proud-looking, old white gander, that would 
have delighted Nanny, — he was so like Old Clark, that we 
left at Winston.” 

“ Oh, Miss Mary,” cried Nanny, quite softened by the re- 
membrance of her favorite, ‘‘ Old Clark was no common gan- 
der, he was a knowing fellow : folks said he was cross and 
spiteful ; but, if it please God I should ever see Winston again, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


51 


60 sure will Old Clark come up and put his neb into my hand 
for a bit of bread. Now Clark knew folks as well as if ho 
had been a Christian ; but what can these creatures know in 
this outlandish place, where Fll be bound they’ve never set 
eyes on man or woman before we were so unlucky as to come 
among them.” 

“ And no great luck for them either, Nanny,” said Mary, 
‘‘ for cousin Charles makes cruel havoc among them with his 
ride.” 

“ Ay, there again !” replied the irritable maiden ; “ he’s just 
like the rest of you : not a bit of thought for what’s to happen 
to-morrow. There he goes on ; tiring away all his powder, and 
that over a heap of poor skinny things, that smell so strong 
there’s no touching them. What will he do if a lot of them 
black savages come to eat us all up ? God help us ! There’s 
no more shot to be come at here !” 

“ Nanny, you are quite right,” observed Matilda. “ In- 
deed, I have been considering myself the imprudence of this 
wonton waste of ammunition, and 1 shall certainly remonstrate 
severely with Charles when he returns. Not that I would 
encourage you Nanny, in the absurd idea that any of the na- 
tives of the continent of America are cannibals. This has 
been distinctly proved 5 has it not, papa 

‘‘ It is more than suspected,” answered Mr. Merton^ “ that 
the Fuegians, a people only separated by the Straits of Ma- 
gellan from the great continent, and even some of the conti- 
nental tribes of South Patagonia, make no scruple in feast- 
ing on the flesh of their slaughtered prisoners of war. More- 
over recent voyagers have narrated more frightful deeds of 
barbarity among these tribes, especially in Tierra del Fuego. 
The natives themselves allow that, in seasons of famine, they 
murder and devour the aged women of the tribes. The poor 
victims knowing the fate that awaits them on such occasions, 
always flee to hid© themselves in the woods 5 but they cannot 
escape their famishing hunters, who seize and strangle them, 
or hold them over the smoke of a fire of green wood, until 
they are suffocated ; and then cut up the body and feed on 
their infernal repast. But I am persuaded this barbarous 
cuitom does not exist so far north as our present position. 
Neither should we be endangered, who are enemies to 


58 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


none of our kind ; and the profusion of provision around 
us, prevents any possibility of our falling victims to the fam- 
ished.” 

“ Nevertheless, it would not be desirable to come into con- 
tact with any of these uncivilized people.” observed Matil- 
da ; “ and we cannot have a better place of concealment than 
this snug cave.” 

“ But surely, Mr. Merton !” said Mrs. Merton, in great 
alarm, “ You do not apprehend that there is any probability 
of encountering those wild Indians, of whose deeds of blood 
you have so often read to me ? I should die at the sight of 
one of those savages.” 

“ Have no fears, mamma,” replied Mary ; I shall insist on 
Charles making wooden lances for Matilda and me. Then 
look at the number of armed men we could raise. Depend on 
it we should be a formidable troop to oppose. But come out 
now, mamma, and look round you, and you will be satisfied 
no Indians have ever visited this quiet solitary spot, nor is 
there any temptation for them to come.” 

Mrs. Merton was persuaded to venture, and she agreed that 
the solitude appeared never to have been broken ; and, sup- 
ported by her husband and children, she walked along the 
banks of the river as far as the sandy beach extended, but took 
fright at the difficulty, when her feet became entangled in the 
brakes of fuschia*fe, covered with crimson blossoms, that fre- 
quently hung quite over the river. She wished to return, 
but the sound of Charles’ rifle at no great distance en- 
couraged her to remain. She sat down on a piece of rock, 
while Mary raised her clear voice to summon the sportsman, 
who soon came up to them, with his bag full of game, and a 
dark-looking goose swung over his shoulder. 

“ I have shot the goose, rather than its mate,” said he ; 
“ for I thought it looked younger, and might be more tender : 
though certainly the appearance of the snowy-white gander 
was more tempting.” 

“ I perceive,” said Mr. Merton, “ that this bird is the 
Jlnas hyhrida, remarkable for the contrast in color be- 
tween the male and female birds. The latter is black, ex- 
cept that the tips of some of the feathers are white, and the 
bill ^nd legs red. The male bird is of a pure white, with gold 


THE MERTON FAMILY. V # 

colored bill and legs, — a beautiful creature. These birds are 
remarkable for their attachment and constancy, and are al- 
ways found in pairs, not in flocks.” 

■ ‘‘ Then I am really very sorry, uncle,” said Charles, that 
I have severed the bonds of union ; but the necessity of the 
case must plead my excuse. Matilda declared to me this 
morning that her afiections were set on a roast goose- Speak, 
peerless manager of the household, — Is not this the truth ?” 

“ I am very glad, indeed, Charles,” replied Matilda, who 
had been examining the vegetation around ; “ for this low 
shrub has the smell and taste of sage, and is doubtless the 
herb called by the Indians palgh.i, of which we read in South 
American travels. This will be a sort of seasoning for the 
goose. But, papa, come here, and tell me, is not this the 
flower of the potato ?” 

“ It is, undoubtedly, that most valuable plant, my child,” 
answered Mr. Merton. The potato is certainly a native of 
South America. This is not, however, the locality in which 
I should have expected to discover the Solarium tuberosum^ 
which usually selects a dry sandy habit . I doubt much that 
the tubers will prove fit for 'food.” 

‘‘ Nevertheless, papa, I should advise that we make the ex- 
periment,” said Matilda. 

Mary immediately seized the rough plant, and endeavored 
to pluck it from the ground with her hands, but was not suc- 
cessful. Charles laughed at the vain attempts of his deter- 
mined little friend, and went to her assistance. He produced 
a large knife, and soon dug up about a dozen good-sized po- 
tatoes of an oval form. 

We must have more, dear cousin Charles,” cried Mary. 
“ Nanny will be so delighted to see real potatoes, that she 
will be half-reconciled to our dismal cave.” 

Charles was not very eager to undertake the labor of dig- 
ging, but his good -nature prevailed, and they soon filled up 
the game-bag with a good supply of potatoes. 

And now,” cried Mary, delighted, I will carry home a 
couple of these huge rhubarb-leaves, to dish the game and fish 
upon.” 

This plant is not the rhubarb,” observed Mr. Merton ; 
“ but, if I do not err, it is the Gunnora scabra. If it be so, 
the stalks, like those of the rhubarb, are eatable. You must 


60 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


cut some for the examination of Dr. Lewis, whose profound 
botanical knowledge far exceeds mine. And by all means 
take some of the leaves, which are rather more suitable for 
table-covers than dishes, for some of them must be eight feet 
in diameter, and, as you see, nearly circular.” 

They selected some of the smaller leaves, but left the stalks 
for another expedition, for they were now all laden with new 
treasures ; and Mrs. Merton being quite weary, they set out 
homewards. 

“ And very good-looking potatoes they are, for a poor 
place like this,” said Nanny^ when she had looked over their 
several acquisitions. “ And a bonny goose too. Master 
Charles, if it hadn’t been so black ; and if I knew hOw to get 
it roasted, we could make out a decent dinner to-day.” 

Matilda showed Nanny how to spit the goose on a long 
stick, of which one end was sharpened, and stuck in the ground 
before the fire. By turning this simple spit occasionally, the 
goose was roasted perfectly. The salmon and the potatoes 
were boiled, and all served on the large leaves. The repast 
was duly praised ; the salmon was really excellent ; but Nan- 
ny murmured much at their bringing home sage and no on- 
ions. Surely they might have found some : sage and onions 
were not likely to be far parted. Still the goose, though 
somewhat meagre, was enjoyed ; and though the potatoes were 
rather watery, no one complained. The sole regret was for 
the absent, who did not return till evening, and were then so 
weary, that it was only after taking some refreshment that 
they were able to speak f their voyage. 

After a good supper. Jack said, “ Now, Nanny, take care 
that you and these girls rise early, and set to work briskly. 
Pack up everything ; cook all the provisions you have. Tom 
and I will go to the wood and scratch up a bag of these 
wonderful potatoes. We will fill the water-cask higher up 
the river, where the tide does not reach ; and then we will 
ship our cargo, and set out on our voyage of discovery.” 

Mrs. Merton turned very pale, and looked imploringly at 
her husband, who turned to Dr. Lewis, and said, “ My boys 
are young and rash, my dear friend ; it is on your cooler judg- 
ment I rely for our safety. Do you think it prudent to leave 
the security of land, to risk a voyage in a small and crowded 
boat, and without a definite plan or object P’ 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


€1 


I do indeed think this the most advisable plan, situated 
as we are,” answered Dr. Lewis. Even now, in summer, 
the climate on this coast is damp, and probably unhealthy. 
The chance of our seeing any vessel is very improbable j and 
should we remain in this moist and murky atmosphere until 
winter, our situation would be intolerable. We must make 
some efforts to escape from it. Taking advantage of the cur- 
rent from the river, we sailed out to-day, with little difficulty, 
a mile from the shore, I could thence^ with my glass, dis- 
tinguish a small island, the shores of which appeared woody 
and verdant. It is this island we propose to reach ; it will 
not be a long or dangerous voyage ; and even should the 
island, as I suspect, prove uninhabited, it will probably af- 
ford us a more agreeable and healthy abode than our cave, 
and we shall be in a situation to hail any passing vesseL At 
all events, if we find it unsuitable to our wants, we can 
extend our voyage to some other spot, for I have no doubt 
it is one of the Archipelago islands, which lie off this 
coast.” 

The arguments of Dr. Lewis were convincing ; and, how- 
ever formidable the undertaking, the sisters were content, 
and the youths sanguine. Mrs. Merton, as usual, yielded to 
the wishes of her husband ; and Nanny’s murmurs were over- 
powered by the voices of the majority. After Mr. Merton 
, had performed his sacred duties, and added an especial prayer 
for the blessing of God on their perilous undertaking, they 
lay down to rest, after the fatigues of the day, full of hope 
for the morrow. 

About midnight. Dr. Lewis was roused by unusual sounds, 
and, starting up, he approached one of the crannies in the 
face of the rock, and listening attentively, he heard voices 
and the neighing of horses. He went forward from his sleep- 
ing-place towards that part of the cave used for the kitchen, 
and was glad to see the fire was extinguished, for he was 
fearful some escape of smoke might have betrayed their place 
of concealment. He reflected a moment, and then decided on 
cautiously awaking the family, one after another, to prevent 
the danger of any sudden alarm. His information caused them 
all much anxiety ; but Lewis enjoined silence, and mounting 
on a chest, he contrived to reach an aperture, that, by the 
hazy light of the moon, gave him a view down to the river. He 


62 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 


distinguished a party of Indians mounted on horses. They 
were tall men with flowing hair, clothed in long mantles, of a 
peculiar form. He could not ascertain their number, for they 
were crowded together on the spot were the boat was moored, 
and had evidently been arrested by the sight of it. 

They were speaking rapidly in their own language, which 
Dr. Lewis did not understand ; but one man, who seemed a 
a leader, used several Spanish words in his discourse, and 
often alluded to los Christianos. 

Dr. Lewis thought he could comprehend from this man’s 
words that the sight of the boat alarmed them ; that they 
suspected many Spaniards had landed on the coast, and that 
they must bring their warriors to conquer and destroy them. 
The words of the leader seemed to occasion much pleasure to 
the rest, who uttered wild cries ; then, dismounting from 
their horses, they fastened the bridles to trees and all en- 
tering the boat, they pushed forward down the river. 

When Dr. Lewis announced this movement to his anxious 
friends, the boys were in such indignation against the rob- 
bers, that he had some difficulty in preventing them from 
crying out and rushing from the cave after their boat. But 
he pointed out to them the madness of endeavoring to arrest 
an armed party, of unknown number, and the. certainty that 
such an attempt must bring danger, if not destruction, 
on all. , 

They waited in great anxiety for about twenty minutes, 
when, concluding the strangers had really departed. Dr. Lewis 
left the cave, accompanied by Charles, who, in this emer- 
gency, was really roused to action. The moon was still up, 
and they were able to see that the boat was really gone, and 
that six horses remained, tied to the trees, in all probability 
till the Indians returned in formidable numbers. The rest 
of the family were immediately summoned to hold a consul- 
tation on this important and vexatious event. Jack, who had 
aetually shed tears for the loss of the boat, on the very eve 
of the projected voyage, brightened up when he saw the 
horses, and he exclaimed, — 

“ I know mamma will prefer travelling on horse- back to 
making a voyage, and we have a right to these horses, in ex- 
change for our boat j have we not, papa V 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


63 


“ I am glad, my son,” replied Mr. Merton, ‘‘ that you feel 
a doubt on the subject, for the horses are not legally or Justly 
our property. They have been left here by their masters, in 
good faith, to be reclaimed on their return, when they may 
possibly restore the boat.” 

“ But, papa,” said Tom, “ it is more probable that they will 
return with a formidable body of warriors, to massacre us, or 
to carry us off as slaves. It seems to me a perfect folly to 
wait here for their arrival, when we have a chance of escape 
by means of the horses.” 

“ I doubt the equity of such an act ” observed Mr. Mer- 
ton. 

“ I believe we may consider it doubtful,” said Dr. Lewis ; 
“ nevertheless, my good friend, our case is urgent ; we have a 
fearful responsibility in the care of our young and helpless 
family, and I am decidedly of the opinion, that on certain 
conditions, we are justified in using the horses of the robbers. 
This we will promise to do. Should we be so fortunate as to 
reach a place of safety, we will turn the animals loose ; and 
if they have been well treated by- the Indians, depend on it 
their sagacity will point out to them the road to their former 
friends. We will therefore, sir, with your permission, return 
to the cave and make our preparations, for no time must be 
lost.” 

Mr. Merton yielded to the majority, but remained uncon- 
vinced that they were acting right. They returned to the 
cave discussing various plans, all ending in the same conclu- 
sion that they must leave the spot before the return of the In- 
dians. As to Mrs. Merton, she really felt overjoyed at the 
capture of the boat, notwithstanding the alarm of the Indian 
visitors, such was her dread of the sea ; nor did an equestrian 
journey seem so terrible to her, timid as she was ; for, among 
her native hills, her usual mode of travelling had been on 
horseback, seated behind her husband. 

The first consideration on their return to the cave was, whe- 
ther it was possible to remove the contents of the boat on the 
horses. They were reluctant to abandon any part of their 
property in their uncertain situation } and it was determined 
to make the attempt. 

“ The carpenter’s chest, which was one of Charles’ gene- 


64 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


rous gifts to Jack and me,” said Tom, ‘‘ I cannot consent to 
leave, though it certainly feels rather heavy.”' 

“We will lighten it a little by taking out the two axes,” 
said Jack, “ for I have a notion we shall need them to cut 
our way through the woods. I hope we shall distance the 
rascals. What a lucky thing it was that we tore the sail so 
clumsily under that overhanging beech-tree last night, and 
that I was so prudent as to bring it up to the cave for the girls 
to mend, for the thieves will be sometime in performing their 
voyage without it; though, poor wretches, I doubt very 
much whether they would understand how to hoist a sail if 
they had one.” 

“ And a very lucky blunder it was too, Jack,” replied 
Dr. Lewis, “ that you brought it up rolled round the mast, for 
we must certainly place it on one of our horses, to form a tent 
which may shelter us from the dews of night during our wan- 
derings, till we meet with more comfortable accommodation ; 
but you had better not mention this plan to Nanny just 
now, for she looks rather irritated by the sudden de- 
mands on her exertions, and doubtless expects to rest 
at some convenient inn to-morrow. I would propose tnit 
the black horse that looks elderly, and I suspect, has a blind 
eye, should be given up entirely to papa and mamma. It 
will certainly require the three strongest animals to carry our 
baggage, and we must arrange as well as we can with the 
two remaining.” 

“ Positively, Lewis,” said Charles, “ you must let me have 
an animal of some sort. I am no pedestrian.” 

“ Very well, Charles,” replied Lewis, “ but you must take 
a lady en croupe, — Nanny, par exampleV^ 

“ I will take Mary,” answered Charles, hastily. “ Mary 
and I have often had a scamper together at Winston ; I will 
leave Nanny to you, Lewis.” 

“ I have no objection in the world to walk,” said Lewis, 
“ and J ack has offered to be my companion ; we must add 
Nanny to our party, and Tom must take Matilda on the re- 
maining horse. If Nanny gets tired, we must perch her on 
the baggage-horses.” 

“ See which on us will tire first,” said the valiant maiden. 

But here, honeys, come and take a bits before you set out 
while I fill a bag with what we have left.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


65 


Cold ducks, cold goose, and .saliaaon, with some potatoes, 
were placed in Nanny’s bag. The large water- cask was to 
be tilled at the river before they diverged from it. Breakfast 
was concluded, and then Mr. Merton performed the morn- 
ing devotions with unusual fervor, and all rose from their 
knees with gratitude for the mercies God had bestowed on 
them, and a firm reliance on Him for the future. 


CHAPTER VI. 


The Departure. The Lasso and Bolas. The ascent through the 

Mountain Forests. The Parrots. Strawberries. The Guanaco 

and Condor. Failure of Provisions. 

« Farewell,” cried Mary, “ our good cave of refuge ! 
And if we cannot find nests, as the birds do, among the trees 
and rocks, we can still come back, after the Indians are gone, 
to this quiet retreat. You boys have axes, you might cut 
down some of the trees, and we would plant gardens and 
make a comfortable home. What do you think of my plan. 
Cousin Charles ?” 

“ I cannot say that I approve of it, Mary,” replied Charles. 
“ I have no taste for caves generally ; I abhor this dungeon 
in particular ; and if our evil fate drives us once more to seek 
such a shelter, I trust the mountJns may afford us a more 
cheerful abode than this.” 

“ Nevertheless, Charles,” said Lewis, “ I think it would be 
a measure of prudence to conceal the entrance, lest we should 
unfortunately again be glad of such a place of refuge.” 

This was soon accomplished ; the baggage was brought out, 
and pieces of rock piled before the openings secured them 
from observation : the horses were brought up and laden. 
They were strong animals, apparently well trained ; each had 
a bridle of hide, and a sort of saddle made of skins, with the 
hair uppermost ; to each saddle was attached the lasso, and 
the indispensable set of bolas, so useful in the Indian chase. 
The lasso was a thong forty feet long, formed of many strips 
5 


66 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS Off 


of hide of a regular thickness^ plaited together ; it was quite 
pliable, from having \een rubbed with oil. At oue end was 
an iron ring, about au inch and a half in diameter, through 
which the other end of the thong was passed j thus forming a 
running noose. 

The bolas were three balls of stone, probably iron pyrites, 
covered with hide, and attached to the ends of three thongs 
of plaited hide, about four or six feet in length. The balls 
w'ere about the size of a hen’s egg. Charles and Dr. Lewis 
were both skilled in the art of throwing the lasso and the bo- 
las, and undertook to teach Tom and Jack, when circum- 
stances permitted it. Beneath the beech' tree, v;here the boat 
had been moored. Jack was delighted to find three long In- 
dian lances, which the Indians had probably found inconve- 
nient appendages in their voyage, and had abandoned until 
their return. These lances were made of bamboo, about fif- 
teen feet in length ; they were headed with iron, skilfully 
sharpened, and were really formidable weapons. Charles and 
'fom, the equestrians, took possession of these arms, and, 
when mounted on their noble horses, with their ladies seated 
behind them, and poising their long lances" gracefully, they 
rode OS’ from the cave, Matilda declared they resembled 
the knights-errant of old, sallying forth in search of ad- 
ventures. 

The cushions and cloaks, which had formed their couches, 
had been strapped upon the horses to make commodious seats 
for the ladies, and with some contrivance they managed to 
carry away all their possessions. The cavalcade then, in the 
dim light of breaking day, moved slowly up the banks of the 
river for about half a mile, till they reached a convenient 
spot, when they filled the water cask. From thence they di- 
virged to the left, and passed with great toil over the entan- 
gled underwood. Jack and Dr. Lewis led the way, as pioneers, 
armed with axes, with which they cut away any extraordi- 
nary impediment ; then followed the mounted party ; the 
haggage-horses, which were fastened to each other in a single 
file by ropes, brought up the rear, led by Nanny : there 
was no danger of their running away, heavily laden as they 
wore. 

They continued gradually to ascend through the wood as 
much as they were able, but their progress was necessarily 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


67 


very slow : and though they continued moving onwards till 
noon without rest, Dr. Lewis calculated that they had not 
journeyed more than twelve miles. The sun was now so 
scorch;ng that they were unable to go on, and, worn out with 
fatigue and anxiety, they gladly hailed the appearance of a 
small clear spot which offered pasturage to their horses ; and 
beneath the grateful shade of a spreading beech they made 
their first halt. 

The poor horses were unloaded and secured to the trees by 
the long lassoes, the cloaks and cushions were spread on the 
ground, the dinner was heartily enjoyed, and then the wea- 
ried party lay down to sleep, and had two hours of profound 
repose. 

They rose refreshed and ready to proceed, and, relieved 
from immediate danger, began too look around and admire 
their new and romantic situation. Buried in the lonely woods 
that clothe the sides of the majestic Andes, far from all hu- 
man-kind, homeless wanderers as they were, they enjoyed 
their adventure. The woods resounded with the notes of 
thousands of strange birds ; bright-colored and luxuriant 
plants wound round the dark pines, the beeches, and the still 
unknown forest-trees around them, and the weather was calm 
and pleasant. Once more they set out, but now in cheerful- 
ness and hope. 

But why do you, our trusty guides and piouers,” asked 
Mr. Merton, “conduct us thus gradually from thecoast for 1 ob- 
serve our course is continually N. E. 'i My own opinion would 
have induced me to continue to travel along the coast 
till we reached some town, or, at all events some fishermen^s 
huts.” 

“ I fear, my good sir,” answered Dr. Lewis, “ that the peo. 
pie on this savage coast are not industrious enough to become 
fisherman, or to build huts. Charles and I know something of 
these shores, which are in this part indented by long arms of 
the sea. If we did not leave the coast, we should be com- 
pelled to pass round these arms, — a labor of time, even if it 
were possible, which I doubt, for much of the coast is so rocky, 
that I do not believe it would be passable. We have there- 
fore concluded it most advisable to ascend as high as 
we are able, in order to escape these impediments. ^ I dare 
scarcely speculate on our success, for the forest is so intricate 


68 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


thit I dread lest our animals should be exhausted with the 
labor of struggling through it. But I have remarked a sort 
of track from our resting-place, which I am now taking ; 1 have 
no doubt it is made by the wild cattle which frequent the 
mountains, and which, like ourselves, have discovered the 
convenience of this plot of pasturage. You perceive the 
track is sufficiently beaten to render it passable, and, if we 
should meet a wild cow on our way, I will show the boys the 
use of the bolas.’’ 

They went on toiling through the mazy woods with more 
confidence than before, following the track of the animals for 
five hours, when they reached a rapid, but now shallow river. 
After the first melting of tho snow in spring, this brawling 
stream must certainly have been an impassable torrent ; and 
they congratulated themselves that the season was so favora- 
ble for their expedition. Here they found a convenient spot 
beneath the trees for their night’s rest. The horses were un- 
loaded and secured ; then the young men formed a sort of 
tent by suspending the sail over the lower branches of a tree, 
and the mast of the boat fixed in the ground. The boxes formed 
a barricade in front, and blankets were hung at the sides. A 
fire was then lighted, and the unanimous opinion of the party 
was, that the tent was ten times more comfortable than the 
cave. Nanny and her young assistants boiled the kettle, and 
a refreshing supper was made on tea and bi.';cuit. The hun- 
gry youths petitioned for a cold duck, but the prudent Nan- 
ny was inflexible. “ Where’s the dinner to come from to- 
morrow, if you eat the ducks to-night 1” was her question ; 
and, though they promised to procure game next day, she 
put no trust in them. So they gave God thanks for his 
mercies, and went to rest 5 two of the young men watching 
alternately during the night, for two hours at a time, to keep 
up the fire, and to guard against the approach of any wild 
animals. 

The night, however, passed without disturbance, and at 
early dawn they assembled at prayers, after which they took a 
scanty breakfast, loaded the horses, refilled the water-cask, 
and moved onwards. They began already to feel the air 
clearer and drier than on the low moist shores they had left ; 
and even the languid spirits of Mrs. Merton revived in the 
brisk morning air. Nature was waking from the sleep of 
»ight, the leaves were rustling in the light breezes, the bright 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


69 


blossoms were opening, the small birds were twittering on the 
low bus''^s, deeper in the woods was heard the richer music 
of unkh tribes; the huge condor, was sailing over their 
heads, and, strangest sound of all, the chatter of the parrot 
reached their ears on all sides. The plumage of this bird, 
which varies so remarkably according to its habitat, was in 
these woods of a dusky gvetn, assimilating so well with the 
foliage amidst which it wa^s perched, that it was very diffi- 
cult to distinguish it. Jac-^ and Tom were now initiated in 
the art of throwing the bolas. Their instructors showed them 
how to hold one ball in the hand, whirling the others round 
with great rapidity above the head, then sending them with a 
certain aim, revolving througii the air, to wind round the vic- 
tim, crossing each other, and binding so closely that the game 
was prostrated or crippled till it was easily secured. After 
many ineffectual attempts and laughable failures, the boys at- 
tained some skill, and Jack had the glory of bringing down 
two fine parrots, which he dispatched remorselessly, and pre- 
sented them^to Nanny to cook for dinner. 

Her repugnance to cook the birds was very great, and loud 
were her murmurs. ‘‘ Well, Master Jack, it’s not for me to 
speak, I know. One certainly doesn’t know what one has to 
come to in this world ; and little do our folks at Winston 
think that we are driven to eat a poll-parrot !” 
f But the “ poll -parrots ” were, nevertheless, most excellent 
food roasted, and on a stick, everbody thought Nanny 
very niggardly because she had reserved a second couple, 
killed by Dr. Lewis, for supper; for she declared she had 
little else to give them. 

Mr. Merton examined the birds with interest, and said, 

My reading has not acquainted me with the peculiar species 
of Psittneus to which these creatures, on which we have dined 
so luxuriously, belong. Can you assist me with your know- 
ledge, Dr. Lewis 1” ... 

“ The bird,” answered Lewis, is the Psittneus jnquilma, 
a migratory species, which inhabit the Andes during the sum- 
mer, while in the winter, flocks of them descend into Chili, de- 
stroying the produce of every field they rest on Fortunate- 
ly, their visit is not till after the harvest, or the whole country 
would be laid waste. You will observe this is one of the most 
elegant of the parrots, with its long pointed tail; and I 


to 


ADVENTURES AND V'ANDERINGS OP 


think we must all agree that it must be one of the most de- 
licious when cooked.” 

“And after such a delicious dinnei,” said Matilda, “I 
can offer you a most delicate dessert.” And she led them 
to a bank perfectly scarlet with large ripe strawberries. 

“Truly,” cried Mr. Merton, “ this is the Fragaria Chil~ 
ensis, which derives its name from that delicious perfume 
which doubtless led you, my child, to discover it. And 
this provision is spread here, in this lonely mountain-forest, 
to feed the birds, who abide here, in the midst of abundance, 
and unmolested.” 

“ I very much doubt their lives being secure, papa,” said 
Jack. “ Observe yon carnivorous condor hovering over our 
heads : he would soon pick our bones if we were in his pow- 
er ; and, wanting richer prey, he will make no scruple of de- 
vouring his lesser brethren by scores.” 

The enjoyment of the dessert made up for the scanty din- 
ner ; even Nanny smiled as she ate strawberries as large as a 
hen’s egg, and of rich flavor ; and she declared the fruit 
looked as if it had been grown in a Christiafa country. 

But next morning, when they resumed their journey, the 
thoughtful and prudent of the party could not but feel much 
anxiety for the future. They had certainly not yet met with 
any distressing impediments or annoyances, but their slender 
stores daily decreased ; the birds were an uncertain depend- 
ence, and famine threatened them. Another day passed ; no 
game offered itself for the skill of the sportsman to be exert- 
ed on, and their spirits began to droop. To complete their 
trouble, a cold rain came on, and compelled them at an early 
hour to seek such imperfect shelter as their rude tent afforded. 
Then a keen wind rose, scattering their fire, w^hich they found 
it impossihlo to keep up ; ; id they ate their dry biscuit, 
moistened in water, with heavy hearts, and, covered with 
cloaks, tried to rest. 

After a watchful and shivering night, they rose early, and, 
as the rain had ceased, they set out before breakfast, t-o escape 
from the chill atmosphere of the damp tent. As they rode 
along, Charles asked, in a mournful tone, “ Do you think, 
Matilda, you could screw not) ing more from Nanny than 
chat hateful prison fare, bread and water, for breakfast 1” 


THE MKRTON TAMILY. 


71 


‘‘ No, indeed, cousin Charles,’’ answered Matilda, half-sob- 
bing, “ it is quite impossible ; we have nothing more, except a 
a little rice. I do think, Charles, you might have provided 
us with some game before this. But we are very unfortunate. 
In all the histories of shipwrecked and deserted families that 
I have read, they always had deer or goats, or wild birds ; or 
they met with every thing they wanted in some wrecked stores 
on the coast. It would have been better not to have left the 
coast ! Here we can find nothing. To be sure I did find 
the strawberries.” 

Mary laughed merrily at the complaints of her disconso- 
late companions, and said, “ Look well about among the rocks 
to-day, Matilda; perhaps you may find the entrance into 
Aladdin’s cavern, and if we could get that ‘ Geni of the Lamp’ 
under our control wouldn’t we make him bring us a good 
supper 

Matilda did not like her sorrows to be laughed at, and she 
was about to reply, when Dr. Lewis made a signal for the 
cavalcade to halt, and beckoning to Charles and Tom to come 
forward, he silently pointed out to them a herd of curious 
looking animals, browsing on a patch of rushy grass, which 
grew on the mountain-side. 

The uplifted finger of their cautious guide stopped the ex- 
clamations that were ready to burst out ; he silently directed 
his young allies to arm themselves with their bolas, and the 
anxious party then crept slowly towards the herd. Dr. Lewis 
stopped them when they had approached as near as he con- 
sidered safe, as it would have been vexatious to have alarmed 
and dispersed the animals ; they then whirled the balls rapid- 
ly above their heads, and flung them at their unconscious vic- 
tims with some skill, considering the little experience they 
had had. One ailiinal, whose hind legs were wound round 
by the bolas sent by Lewis, fell down struggling hopelessly ; 
a second received the bolas of Jack round its neck, and after 
tossing its head wildly, and uttering an odd neighing cry, 
made off after the rest of the herd, which had fled in con- 
fusion at the first alarm. Jack was greatly mortified at the 
loss of his bolas ; but as they had two spare sets, this was not 
of so much consequence. 

The whole party now proceeded towards their valuable 
spoil ; but, before they reached the spot, an enormous con- 


72 ADVENTL'RES AN1> ^VANDEIUNGS OF 

dor descended rapidly from above upon the fallen animal, 
and had already commenced his feast by devouring the eyes, 
when they came up. Kegardless of their cries, the voracious 
creature continued its foul repast ; but, unwilling to lose the 
precious spoil, and doubting the probability of securing the 
marauder with the bolas, Jack fled back to the horses, and re- 
turning armed with his Indian lance, he drove the powerful 
animal from its prey, and slowly and reluctantly it winged its 
heavy flight. 

I regret,” observed Tom, “ that we are unable to secure 
the condor, a bird no less remarkable for its habits than for 
its magnitude. The immense extent of its wings when spread, 
and its peculiar and ravenous mode of tearing out the eyes 
of its victims, are all that we have been able to observe of 
its characteristics.” 

“ And that must suffice for the present, Tom,” said Er. 
Lewis ; “ for, however we may desire to collect specimens 
of natural history, we must remember and compassionate our 
already heavily-laden beasts. A condor would have been no 
slight addition to their burthens. But I do not object to 
load them for a day or two with the produce of our bolas to- 
day, for I suspect we shall find this animal worth the labor of 
carriage. 

The animal w’as despatched, the legs tied together, a branch 
cut from a tree and passed under them, and then Tom and 
Jack bore the spoil wdth great pride towards the anxious party 
who were waiting for them. Nanny gave a sharp look of 
suspicion at the unknown creature, as they placed it on 
one of the baggage horses, shaking her head doubtfully ; and 
Tom the savant, and even Mr. Merton himself, looked, a little 
puzzled. 

“ This animal,” said Mr. Merton, addressing Dr. Lewis, 
who was walking by his side, “ must be of the llama family — 
of the genus Auchen ia'^^^ 

“ You are correct, sir,” replied Dr. Lewis; it is the guan~ 
aco, an animal remarkable for the length and slenderness of 
its neck, its thin rat-like tail, and its foot so admirably adapt- 
ed for climbing the mountains. You observe that the foot 
consists of two springy toes completely divided, a strong short 
hoof, pointed at the tip and hooked downwards, like a claw. 
The hoofs are compressed at the sides, and are eoncave be- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


73 


neath, to cuaLit tbe animal to climb securely. I trust we shall 
meet with more gua,nacoes, and then we shall be in no danger 
of famine.” 

“ Why, you won’t tell me that the flesh of that queer-look- 
ing beast is fit for a Christian to eat said Jsanny. 

“ Jt is greatly superior to mutton,” replied Dr. Lewis ; “ and 
I know your excellent cookery will enable us to make some 
capital dinners on it.” 

'1 here was much rejoicing at the sight of such an abundant 
supply of food sent to them ; and they rested at an earlier 
hour than usual, that they might have time to skin and cut up 
the guanaco. The skin, which was covered with fine long soft 
hair, they plunged into a little stream near their encampment, 
to cleanse it thoroughly. Beneath the skin lay a large quan- 
tity of fat, part of which they used to rub the skin, in order 
to keep it pliable ; after which it was spread over one of the 
horses to be dried. Dr. Lewis, as tbe best anatomist, was 
appointed butcher to the community ; and he cut up the 
guanaco, Nanny declared, as well as if he had been bred tc 
the trade ; and from that time she looked with added respect 
at the doctor. 

The steaks which were broiled for dinner were pronounced 
delicious ; even the fastidious Charles, converted to reason by 
privation and the mountain air, declared he had eaten worse 
venison ; and, after they resumed their journey, the travel- 
ling larder was carefully watched, lest another condor should 
descend and rob them their treasure. 

The guanaco was a large animal, and lasted them for many 
days, for in the high region they had reached, the cool air 
preserved it from corruption. But it was finished at last, and 
then several days succeeded when dry biscuit, scantily doled 
out, a few eggs found in some hollow tree, and an occasional 
parrot, constituted their insuflScient diet. They concluded 
that they must now have travelled above one hundred miles, 
with very little repose, indifferent food, and through unbro- 
ken solitudes ; but they were totally ignorant of their locality, 
for the thick forests, though the trees were more stunted than 
those of the lower regions, were yet high enough to shut out 
Entirely their prospect in every direction ; and Mary was 
oertain they must have entered one of the enchanted 
woods of the fairy tales, from whence the intruders could 


74 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS < ? 


never escape, but were doomed to wander mere through the 
remainder of their lives. Alternately mey climbed the steep 
and rough sides of the mountain, and then descended into some 
wooded vaUey, sometimes of great extent, again to ascend, 
and again to find another valley, yet ever gaining some higher 
part of that wonderful mass of mountains. Uhe valleys were 
the oases of their journey. There they ever found shelter, 
fuel, and fresh water, the latter occasionally more abundant 
than they wished, for their overladen beasts were little able 
to ford a river. Sometimes they fell upon the dry bed of a 
river, which the melted snow from the Upper Andes would pro- 
bably, in the spring, fill with a rushing torrent. They were 
then glad to exehange the struggle through the entangled 
brushwood for the comparatively easy path the rough anc 
stony bed of the river afforded them, till some yawning chasm 
or insurmountable precipice compelled them once more to re* 
turn to their forest road. , 

The poor horses had become wretchedly emaciated from 
hard labor and scanty food. The patches of rushy grass 
found here and there on the mountain-side aft'orded them an 
insufficient pasturage ; and tho party contemplated with dis- 
may the melancholy prospect of being left without any mode 
of conveyance in that dreary wdlderness. 

The air had now become cold in the evening, for an early 
iutumn had set in ; and as they crowded round the fire, for 
which they had still the means of always procuring fuel, 
watching the boiling of the kettle which was to furnish them 
with their slender supper of one cup of tea. in addition to one 
biscuit each, all they could venture to consume from their re- 
maining store, Matilda, unable to restrain her complaints, 
turned to her father, weeping bitterly, and said, “ Ob ! 
papa, what will become of us when the biscuit- bag is ex- 
hausted 

God can spread us a table in the wilderness, my child,” 
said the good man, “ He has eiaved us fiom the danger of as- 
sassination, from the perils of the ocean. He sheltered us 
from the blood-thirsty Indian, and Las guarded us from the 
ferocious beasts of the forest. He has given us health and 
strength to endure our fatigues ; and, if we continue tc pray 
to him, he will not forsake us.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


76 


I have especial reason for gratitude to the Divine 
Mercy,” said Mrs. Merton, “ for I feel niy health and strength 
daily improve with the mountain air and the wholesome ex- 
ercise ; and I have bad time to reflect, in our long journey, 
on my wasted life. I hope, my dear children, I have not 
beer an unkind mother ; but I have been unfaithful to the 
trust God has placed in me. If he spare us all from the 
perils that surround us, I hope to begin a new life, and en- 
deavor to atone for my past errors,” 

The children had all remarked, with pleasure, the improve- 
ment in their beloved mother’s health, and they now rejoiced 
with grateful hearts to hear her acknowledgment of restored 
strength and energy. They forgot their scanty supper in the 
joy of their hearts and their evening devotions were doubly 
fervent in their gratitude. 


CHAPTER VII. 

Loss of one of the Horses. Jack’s Expedition through the Woods, fol- 
lowed by Dr. Lewis. Extraordinary meeting with a Stranger. The 
Hut in the Wilderness. The Family assembled. Commencement 
of Almagro’s Story. 

After a cold and bleak night, the active family rose to 
resume their toils, and to their great vexation found one of 
the baggage* horses so weak and emaciated as to be quite un- 
able to carry his burthen, and they reluctantly left him on 
the spot of pasture. Tom and Matilda were therefore com- 
pelled to relinquish the horse they had always ridden, to 
wliioh the baggage was now transferred, and the dismounted 
pair joined the pedestrians. The procession moved on very 
slowly, for tney had now descended into one of the many val- 
iays of the Cordillera, and the thicket became more intricate 
every yard they proceeded. Jack, always more active and ar- 
dem- than the rest, was many yards in advance, when Dr. 
Lewis, the second pioneer, saw him spring forward, and plunge 
into a thick wood of loftier trees than they had lately met 


76 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

with, which clothed an abrupt steep on the left hand. Alarmed^ 
lest the adventurous boj should encounter any danger, Lewis 
hastened forward to fblJow him. On reaching the wood, he 
found the face of the rock apparently inaccessible ; he called 
out loudly, but receiving no answer, he endeavored to follow 
the steps of his daring companion. By the broken and sepa- 
rated branches, and the trampled underwood, he was enabled 
to trace the rash youth ; but the labor of the ascent was ex- 
cessive. 

After pursuing the track for some distance in great anxiety, 
he was struck with amazement at hearing the report of a gun. 
He knew Jack carried no firearms, and he paused for a mo- 
ment in astonishment and dismay, which was increased when 
he heard heavy groans at no great distance from him. He 
did not venture to call out again : he had a vague fear that 
Jack was murdered, and rushed onward to avenge his death. 
He reached a descent as precipitous as that up which he had 
scrambled, and an opening in the trees enabling him to look 
below, he was comforted by seeing Jack bending over the pros- 
trate figure of a man, and apparently engaged in some friend- 
ly oflBce to the stranger. 

They seemed the sole inhabitants of the valley, for all 
around was still and silent, and Dr. Lewis- ojoce more ven- 
tured to call out, and was answered in a cheerful tone by 
Jack. He descended the cliff with considerable difficulty, 
and found himself on a little open plain, covered with rushy 
grass, and scattered over with large fragraents of granite. 
On the grass reclined the form of a dark-complexioned man, 
who appeared to be suffering greatly. 

“ Poor man !” cried Jack, in great excilement ; “ I do be- 
lieve his arm is broken by the fall. Only tMnk of a tumblo 
over that precipice upon these terrible "hard stones! How 
lucky it was you followed me, doctor, for you must set him 
all right. And what a capital thing it was that the poor 
fellow did not shoot me instead of the guanaco.” 

This was all a mystery to the doctor ; Jack was never very 
lucid in his explanations, and was now laboring under unu- 
sual excilement. Lewis therefore requested him, while he 
examined the state of the sufferer, to give him some intelli- 
gible a«count of the accident. 

“ This is the story, then,” said Jack : “ I was a good way 
before you, and close to the wood, I heard a rustling among 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


nn 

the trees ; I could not stand that, famished as we were, so, 
with iny bolas in my hand, I pushed up through the bushes, 
and. I soon saw before me a guanaco, doubtless the sentinel ot’ 
the herd, browsing on a little bare spot in the wood. I stole 
near him as cautiously as I could, spun my bolas round, and 
whirled them fairly round his neck. He alarmed his friends 
and without loss of time, setting up the loud neigh that offends 
Nanny’s ears so much, remindiug her, as she says, that she 
las been forced to cook and eat horse-flesh. Well ; I stooped 
down to crawl under a high bush that was between me and 
the guanaco, and at that moment a shot was fired behind me, 
which would certainly have done for me if I had been stand- 
ing upright. As it was, the shot entered the shoulder of ’the 
beast, which was then struggling to release itself from the 
bolas. Half. maddened with the pain, it leaped over the bush, 
and over me too, and, rushing forward towards the precipice, 
dashed against its destroyer, and hurled him with itself over 
the steep. I heard his dismal groans, and descended to help 
him ; but when I found him in this bruised and bleeding con- 
dition, I was quite in despair, and was considering what I 
ought to do, when you dropped in so luckily. And after all, 
the guanaco has escaped, and carried off my bolas. Therd 
go two sets among the brutes, anl how shall I replace 
them 

“We will make his bide furnish us with bolas, if we can 
secure him,’’ replied Lewis. “ But now. Jack, make your 
way back as speedily as you can to the rest. Request them 
to wait for us at the foot of the steep, and do you return 
without delay with my box of instruments and medicine- 
chest. We must not abandon this poor man to die alone in 
this dreary wilderness. Doubtless, he has some habitation 
near at hand ; if we could discover it, we -would remove 
him, for he may have anxious friends expecting him.” 

Jack set out with his usual alacrity, and Lewis, having 
ascertained that the arm of the stranger was much fractured, 
sought for a tree from which he was able to peel the bark in 
one I'iece sufficiently large to form a cradle for the disabled 
li'fl^ which he bound in it for the present, deferring any 
iiijportant operation until he was removed. 

It was not long before Jack returned with the boxes, ac- 
companied by Tom and by Nanny, who, on hearing of a case 


78 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


cif dJstrsss, volunteered her services, and took care to bring 
a large blanket with her. Dr. Lewis commended her pru- 
dent forethought, as the blanket would form the best litter 
they could contrive. He then made the man inhale some 
strong volatile, which rou.'^ed him from his stupor ; he opened 
his eyes, gazed round him with mingled astonishment and ter- 
ror, and muttered a few words of entreaty in the Spanish lan- 
guage.^ 

Lewis immediately addressed him in that language, and de- 
manded where his home was ? 

1 he stranger seemed to comprehend him, and faintly arti- 
culated some disjointed tentences, which seemed to indicate 
his unwillingness to disclose his place of abode. “ Let me 
•die here I” he added after a pause. 

Dr. Lewis, who not only understood, but spoke the lan- 
guage of the stranger fluently, asked him why he objected 
to be removed to his friends. 

Friends !” cried the unhappy man. “ Alas ! I have 

none 

“ Then we will be your friends,” cried Jack, impetuously, 
in very indifferent Spanish. “ Tell us where you live, and we 
w 11 carry you home.” 

The man gazed around him with a scrutinising glance, 
which softened as H fell on Jack, whose almost unintelligible 
words he seemed to comprehend, for he pointed out to him a 
small opening in an opposite wood as the road to his dwell- 
ing. They lifted him carefully, placed him on the blanket, 
and thus bore him, as he directed, through the thickets 
which covered a gradual descent of about a mile, when 
they entered on a wide, open plain, watered by a clear 
stream from the mountains. Facing the east, and sup- 
ported against a rocky cliff, was a low hut, rudely con- 
structed of boughs of trees, and roofed with skins. But 
their sole care now was the poor stranger ; they took little 
notice of the spot, but gladly entered the humble abode. 
They found a tolerably comfortable room, lined with furs, 
nnd furnished with some sheets of wicker-work, and a rough 
block of wood for a table, in one corner was a heap of 
dried grass covered with guanaco skins : this was the bed 
ut the stranger, and here they placed him, now in a state 
of insensibility, from the pain occasioned by his removal. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


"9 


The huixuiLC Dr. Lewis, with the assistance of the young 
men, soon reduced the fracture of the arm, dressed the wounds 
and bruises which were numerous and of a serious nature ; 
and when his patient recovered from his fainting fit, Lewis 
administered some composing medicine, and had tiie satisfac- 
tion of seeing him sink into a profound sleep. 

Leaving the sick man to the care of iSanny, they sat down tu 
consider over their own plans, and to speculate on the strange 
situation of the solitary stranger. The little valley in which 
the hut was placed was covered with the mossy grass pecu- 
liar to the mountain hollows, and on this pasturage a hand- 
some mule and too tame llamas were browsing. Portions of 
the plain, fenced with interlaced willow wands, were culti- 
vated with maize or Indian corn, now ripe, potatoes, and 
beans. The hut was large enough to accommodate the whole 
party, and, as the increasing gloom of the atmosphere por- 
tended a storm. Dr. Lewis decided that they were entitled, 
at least to a temporary slielter; the boys were therefore des- 
patched to conduct the whole caravan, if possible, to this se- 
cluded spot, an office delightful to the young messenger, who 
agreed to be silent about all the winders, especially about 
the llamas, the sight of which would be such a pleasure to 
their sisters. 

Nanny had, in the meantime, been examining the contents 
of the hut with some curiosity. A quantity of c/iarquiy or 
dried meat, was suspended from the beams, and on a shelf 
were placed some unskilfully wrought wooden bowls. One 
of these was filled with frosh water ; the other contained milk, 
which Nanny regarded v/istfully. She inquired how long the 
man would sleep, as, of course, they had no right to touch 
his property without his leave. 

Dr. Lewis laughed at her impatience, and told her he hoped 
it would be some time before his patie .t waked to offer them 
hospitality; but in the meantime she might, at all events make 
a fire from a large pile of dried sticks, which stood outside the 
hut, for these sticks could be easily replaced from the woods 
This employment occupied her longer than she expected, and 
with groans and lamentations she denounced the savage mode 
of building a house without a chimney or a window, except 
a hole in the roof, through which the rain did choose to 
enter. 


so ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 

The rain now began to fall heavily, and two ho. vs elapsed 
before the wet and weary party, after a most difficult journey, 
reached the hut, astonished with all they heard and saw, and 
most thankful for the shelter. Jack was in high spirits, — he 
had recovered his bolas. Tom had remarked a condor 
pouncing down on a particular spot in the wood, and devi- 
ating from their direct course to reach that place, they found 
the condor just attacking the dead body of the guanaco, which 
had been the cause of the poor stranger’s accident. After a 
fierce contention with the condor, the boys succeeded in res- 
cuing the prize, and dragged it off in triumph. It was a 
large animal and they were much fatigued with their ex- 
ertion ; but all were thankful for the abundant supply thus 
obtained. 

All bands were ready to skin and cut up the guanaco, but 
Mr. Merton would not permit any part of the flesh to be used 
till the stranger to whom the spoil rightfully belonged, should 
wake, and give them permission to appropriate it. They 
were therefore compelled to content themselves with tea, 
which, after their exposure to the cold rain, was a great re- 
freshment j and when the stranger opened his eyes, he gazed 
with astonishment on the large party collected round his 
table ; he turned an inquiring glance on Dr. Lewis, who ex- 
plained briefly to his patient the situation and the destitution 
ot the party. He pointed to the guanaco, and inquired why 
they had not satisfied the cravings of nature by cooking some 
of the flesh. Charles, who was well acquainted with the peo- 
ple of South America, and spoke the Spanish language fluent- 
ly, recognised the stranger as a Guacho, or Spanish Ameri- 
can, though he now appeared in a half-savage state. Charles 
spoke to the Guacho, and told him Mr. Merton’s scruples 
about touching the game which was not strictly their own. 

The stranger smiled, and said, The food which God has 
scattered over the mountains and amid the forests is common 
to all mankind. Enjoy the provision he has given you. For 
myself, I only desire water. Bring me a draught from the 
stream which flows at the north of the valley.” 

Jack readily rushed out through the pelting storm, and 
soon returned with a bowl of fresh water for the feverish 
patient. Some steaks were then cut from the guanaco and 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


81 


broiled, and the famishing family made the first hearty meal 
they had eaten for many, many days. They gave the Guacho 
some tea, with milk and sugar, which, however novel to him, 
he enjoyed much in his present weak and fevered state. He 
entreated them to milk the female llama, which had come 
following to the entrance of the hut. She was admitted, 
and Nanny, assisted by the two girls, milked a llama for 
the first time. 

The Gruacho seemed to contemplate his unexpected guests 
with a mixture of quiet wonder and pleasure ; and before he 
sunk to sleep again, under the composing influence of the 
narcotic, he used the accustomed Spanish compliment with 
simple and forcible earnestness, entreating them to consider 
his house and all his possessions as their own. 

Humble as the hut was, it seemed a palace to the wan- 
derers on that stormy night. The baggage was brought in, 
the horses tied to the trees with long lassoes, whicii per- 
mitted them to feed, and then the blankets and cloaks were 
spread to form the usual couches under the unusual shelter 
of a roof. It was a night of peace and enjoyment, and their 
prayers rose to G-od full of the gratitude they felt for his 
mercy. 

Tom and Jack watched alternately by the bed of the 
stranger, wtio slept quietly all night, and did not wake till 
Nanny had fulfilled her household duties with all the enjoy- 
ment she ever felt in household duties, and breakfast was in 
preparation. Hr. Lewis found the sick man already in a 
fair way of recovery, though stiff and sore with the bruises 
he had received. The fever had left him, the arm was going 
on well, without any appearance of inflammation ; and after 
the kind surgeon had bandaged the limb in bark, and made 
a sling of a shawl belonging to Mrs. Merton, the patient 
was permitted to sit up and take some milk at the happy 
breakfast-table. 

The sun shone out, and the question of departure was 
faintly alluded to ; but Hr. Lewis peremptorily refused to 
leave his patient so soon, and it was agreed that they must 
remain at least another day, a salutary rest for the poor 
horses, as well as for themselves. Charles then reqiiested 
the Guacho to explain the reason of his seclusion m .his 
will and o-uitary valley. 

6 


•^2 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS 01 

“ I seek,” said the stranger, sternly, “ to hide myself from 
the foes who have rendered my life dark and dreary as the 
long night of winter. Yet would I not flee from them, did 1 
not dread, that, instead of the death I desire, they should 
doom me to the slavery I abhor,” 

“ But why do you speak of foes'?” asked Mrs. Merton. 
“ The Christian calls no man his foe.” 

“ I was born the son of Christians,” said the stranger 
and by holy baptism I was also admitted into the Church 
of Christ, by the name of Almagro. I have forgotten the 
form? of my faith ; but I have not forgotten that I was 
tauglit to forgive my enemies, as I hoped my own sins might 
be pardoned. Therefore I would not slay the savage and 
cruel Indians, who have robbed me of all I loved ; but I can- 
not love them — I must call them enemies.” 

Mrs. Merton caught the word Indios, though she did not 
understand Spanish, and, turning to Dr. Lewis, she asked 
him, shuddering, if the man was speaking of any Indians 
near this place. After Lewis had assured her of the perfect 
security of their retreat, he requested the stranger to relate 
to them his sorrowful story. Almagro sighed, and com- 
menced his tale in Spanish, mingled with some Indian words, 
but it was sufl&oiehtly intelligible to most of the family, who 
had long been studying Spanish, and was at intervals inter- 
preted for the benefit of Mrs. Merton and Nanny. 

“ In the wide plains of the Pampas was the home of my 
birth. My father prided himself on bearing the name of 
Valdivia, and my brother Pedro and I learned at an early 
age to reverence the name of our heroic ancestors, by whose 
valor and prudence Chili had been conquered and civilized. 
Many a long evening we listened to my father, with breath- 
less attention, as he related to us the traditional history of 
the wonder&l expedition of the intrepid Valdivia, from Peru 
to the southern boundary of Chili. He told us how, with a 
l.andful of brave soldiers, the warrior subjugated nations, 
and founded cities, one of which still bears his honored 
name ; how he made his way, at first with little molestation, 
through stubborn and independent A.raucania, reached the 
southern tribes, who thenceforward abhorred the Spanish 
name, and founded the city of the frontiers. He concluded 
by describing the desperate valor which led the hero, with 


THE MEilTON FAMILY. 


83 


S'lender forces, to enter the field against the mighty army 
of the brave Araucanians , and we shed many tears over 
the defeat and the tragic fate of the illustrious and unfor* 
tunate warrior. 

“ From my father wo learned that Valdivia, during his 
prosperity, had liberally bestowed large tracts of the con- 
quered country on his officers. To his noble relative, our 
ancesA-^', he had assigned a rich allotment, on the east of the 
Andes, where a colony was formed, which flourished long and 
prosperously. But the Indians of the south, maddened by 
the tyranny and oppression of their Spanish rulers, who had 
scattered, enslaved, or destroyed whole nations, vowed to be 
revenged, and implanted in the hearts of their children an 
implacable hatred against Europeans. From time to time 
they stole on the devoted colony with devastation and 
destruction. Finally, the few families that remained, fled 
from certain massacre to the Pampas, and built scattered 
huts ; trusting that their poverty might save them, if they 
were discovered by their inveterate enemies. 

“ Generations had been born, and had died in peace, in the 
simple dwelling of my father. It was a lowly hut of wicker- 
work, thatched, and shaded by peach-trees, which surrounded 
it and overbimg the porch. We seemed to be cut off from all 
communication with man ; yet my father, ever haunted with 
fear of the Indians, had constructed a sort of fortilication ; a 
fence of the tall and impenetrable cactus, which inclosed the 
hut and the corral whicl contained our cattle. We lived in 
security, peace, and affluence, for we had cattle and horses, 
more tha;u wo needed, always in the corral. At three years 
of age, Pedro and I could climb by the tail and mount the 
young colts ; at seven we were horsemen ; and then learned 
to whirl the bolas, and cast the lasso. We brought the llama 
from the mountains, and my mother wove us garments from 
its long hair; and when we succeeded in securing the fleet 
ostrich, we adorned our heads with the plumes. 

« My father taught us, as he had been taught, to read and 
to write ; and from my mother we learned to play the guitar. 
Every evening the lonely hut on the Pampas resounded with 
our hymns to God ; we were a family of love, and peace dwelt 
among us. 

‘‘ Hut a cloud fell on our happiness ; when my brother was 


84 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


about twelve, and I ten years of age, we remarked to each 
other that our father had become moody and reserved. We 
had no music, nor would he allow us, as usual to follow him 
to the chase. He employed us at home, either in drying the 
beef for charqui, or preparing the wool for my mother to 
spin. Of her we felt afraid to make inquiries, but we saw 
she looked anxious and unhappy. 

“ One day my father entered the hut in great agitation, 
‘ My wife and children,’ cried he, ‘ we must leave this beloved 
spot; we must abandon the home of our fathers!’ We were 
struck with consternation, and my poor mother sunk back, 
pale as ashes, and powerless to speak. ‘ For a long time,’ 
continued my father, ‘ I have observed, in my hunting excur- 
sions, the track of the abhorred Indians. I ought to have 
fled at once from the presence of the destroyers ; but I was 
reluctant to leave this beloved spot, and I weakly hoped 
their appearance in this part was accidental ; but this day 
has confirmed my worst fears. I had imprudently ventured 
on the open plain, when, to my dismay, I beheld at a great 
distance a numerous party of our dreaded foes, galloping for- 
ward with all the regularity of disciplined troops. I made a 
hasty retreat, and was, I trust, unobserved ; but no time 
must be lost ; our retreat is no longer secure, we must pre- 
pare at once for flight, and for defence.’ 

“ With breaking hearts we set about collecting a few 
necessaries, and some valuable family memoriuls ; my poor 
mother was quite incapable of directing or aiding us, and we 
performed our mournful task in agitated silence. We placed 
our packages on our best horses, armed ourselves with the 
few weapons we possessed, our knives and spears ; and were 
preparing to take a reluctant farewell of our dear home, 
when a shrill and yelling cry pierced our ears. It was the 
first time we had ever heard that sound, but we recognized 
it at once as the unmistakable signal of woe and mas.sacre. 
My mother fainted, sinking down on the earth from whence 
she was never more to rise. The Indians attempted no par- 
ley ; in a moment the inclosure was blazing in every direction. 
The terrified animals broke furiously from the corral, and 
rushed through the flames, to be secured by the enemy. My 
father, in distracted hesitation, bent over the prostrate form 
of my beloved mother, absorbed in the thought of her fate. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


85 


At that moment the Indians penetrated the inclosure, and 
the leader, springing forward, with one blow of his club, laid 
my father dead at his feet. 

“ I shrieked with horror, and was immediately seized by 
an Indian and bound on the back of a horse ; but my bolder 
brother rushed forward and wounded the chief with his spear 
I saw him overpowered ; I saw him share the fate of my 
father and mother : all were cruelly butchered. 

“ Overcome with horror, I lost all consciousness ; and 
when I revived I found myself still bound on horseback, but 
far distant from the scene of slaughter. The robbers had 
brought away all our cattle and moveable possessions, and 
were journeying towards the Cordilleras. 

“ I was for some time speechless with astonishment to find 
myself still living. Then, as the terrible remembrance of the 
past moved me, I demanded, with loud cries and entreaties, 
that they would release me from my bounds, that I might 
return to my desolate home. They either did not understand, 
or did not regard my words ; except that by blows they en- 
forced silence. And thus harshly treated, ill-fed, and heart- 
broken, I travelled on with these men of blood and robbery 
for many bitter days, among the dangers of the wild and 
rugged mountains. But I have little recollection of this : I 
had become almost as insensible as the rocks around me. I 
heeded not my present sufferings ; I had no care for the 
future j the affections, the hopes of my life were buried in the 
past. 

But I was young, and life was strong within me ; the 
privations and perils of the mountain journey were passed, 
and my captors brought me to their dwellings. They were 
a marauding tribe, under the dominion of a ruler who gov- 
erned several of the mountain tribes of the Araucanians, who 
inhabit the foot of the Andes. To this chieftain I was sold, 
or presented as a slave ; and though no longer free, I was 

cruelly treated. I was now placed among warriors, and 
n.y master, the Toqui, as he was designated, of the pro 
vince, bad me taught the use of the bow, the sling, and the 
lance ” 

But,” interrupted Jack, I never understood that any 
uf these wild Indian tribes had regular governments and 
disciplined warriors.” 


86 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

« The Indians of the Pampas,” replied Charles, arc wild 
and uncivilized, but the Araucanians have ever been a bt ave 
independent people, and, in the maritime provinces, have a 
shadow of civilization. And Araucania can bo a splendid 
history, scarcely less glorious than that of Carthage. Pray, 
Almagro, tell this incredulous boy what sort of fellow your 
Toqui was.” 

“ Oadeguala, the Toqui,” answered Almagro, “ was a man 
of noble and martial appearance, with a cotunlexioa little 
darker than yours, young gentleman, which is perhaps new 
deepened by exposure to the sun of summer. 1 bad seen no 
mnn but my fether, until I beheld the ruthless Indians, whom 
1 shrunk from with abhorence ; but I looked with wonder 
Cadeguala, clothed in his flowing poncho, curiously wrougnt 
with colored flowers, and bordered with rich fringes. I fan- 
cied that he must resemble one of the princes of Europe, of 
whom my father delighted to read.” 


# 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Continuation of Alraagro’s Story. The Dwellings and Habits of the 
Araucanians. The Death of the Toqui, and the Flight of Almagro 
and Carielpa The Burning Mountain. Escape to the Mountains, 
and the Birth of Zara. The Fatal Visit of the Indians, and Death 
of Carielpa. The Wanderings of Almagro. Conclusion of his 
Story. Plan of Crossing the Andes. The Earthquake and its 
Consequences. Jack’s Expedition to survey the Ruins. 

“ Will you tell me, Almagro,” asked Matilda, in tolera:!^ 
good Spanish, “ what kind of houses the Araucanians inhabit, 
and what is their food 

“ Our dwelling,” answered Almagro, ‘‘ which was the best 
of the scattered village, was built of mud, and thatched. It 
was of great extent, and had two entrances in the front, 
which admitted light and air ; two openings at the back led 
to the kitchen, a detached building. One side of the apait- 
ment consisted of sleeping-places, separated by divisions 
made of cane, and having bed-places raised some height from 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


SI 


the floor. On the opposite side the floor was ra’.sed to form 
seats. Carpets, rugs, and low tables completed ibe furnituxe 
of the dwelling. 

In the kitchen were the fire-hearths, earthen pans and 
pots, and baskets. For the table they have gonrds separated 
for bowls and dishes, and large muscle-shells, brought from 
the coast, for spoons.’’ 

“ How I wish we could find some gourds,” cried Mary. 
“ How delightful it would be to make bowls and bottles, as 
they did in the Swiss Robinson Crusoe.” 

•‘We have certainly not yet reached the latitude where 
the gourd is found,” observed Tom. “ The order Cucurht- 
tacecB is rarely met with beyond the tropics.” 

“ Pray don’t be so pedantic, Tom,” said Jack ; “ and do, 
dear Almagro, continue your story.” 

I must tell the young la^,” continued Almagro, “ that 
we had excellent food, for the Toqui was a rich man. We 
had milk and bruised corn, potatoes and pompions, food quite 
new to me. We had Charqui, and even poultry, which were 
domesticated, fed on grain, and when fattened, were killed and 
eaten ! Many a tear did Carielpa, the little daughter of the 
Toqui, and I shed when some favorite fowl was slaughtered 
by the women, and she would have famished rather than fed 
on that food, for she had a tender and loving heart. 

‘‘ The mother of Carielpa was dead ; she had been a Creole, 
and the pure blood of Spain predominated in the mingled cur- 
rent which filled the veins of the child. The Creole mother 
had lived long enough to teach her daughter to compassionate 
the Christians, whom the people hated j and to bdlieve in the 
Christians’ God, 

The beauty of Carielpa realised to me my dreams of 
angels ; I could not believe that mortal women were so love- 
ly. Moreover, she was kind to me, and in return I assisted 
her in the labors which the custom of the Araucanians inflicts 
on the females. When my own duties of attending to the 
horses were completed, I assisted her to bring the loads of 
maize and wheat from the fields, which were entirely culti- 
vated and reaped by the women. We conveyed the sheaves 
to the threshing-floor, a piece of ground swept clean ani en- 
closed with rails. We spread the corn over the earth, ana « 
cumber of horses were then turned into the enclosure, and 


88 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


driven round till the straw was broken into pieces and tht5 
grain fell fiom the ears. The broken straw was collected and 
carried away ; the grain was then exposed to the wind, which 
bore away the chaff, and the valuable corn left on the floor 
was gathered and stowed in bags of hide. 

“ The lenity of Oadeguala permitted me several hours’ re- 
creation every day, and in these happy hours the gentle Oa- 
rielpa was my companion. She wept with me over my tale 
of woe, her bright eyes sparkled with sympathy when I repeat- 
ed to her my father’s histories of the past ; and she rejoiced 
that she was like me, of Spanish blood. Then we tried to re- 
rnemler the prayers taught to us by the mothers we had lost, 
but the words had faded from our memory. We feared this 
was sinful, but we talked of the Heaven where we hoped to 
meet the lost, and we worshipped God with our hearts. 

As I grew older, I became strong and active ; I loved 
the chase, and learned the art of war, but my spirit rebelled 
against the practice of arms, lest I should be called on to use 
them against my own countrymen, for I could never forget I 
was a Spaniard ; and though I could not see Carielpa fre- 
quently now, I never forgot to remind her, when we met, 
that we were of kindred blood, and were bound to love each 
other. This bond of amity reconciled me to my life of ser- 
vitude, for though I was a slave, I was no longer alone in the 
world, — Carielpa supplied to me the kindred I had lost. 
Every year increased our attachment ; but it was not till the 
Toqui had announced to his daughter, that she was to be the 
wife of a neighboring chief, that we felt the extent of our love, 
and the impossibility of our separation. 

“ It was Carielpa herself, who announced to me this terrible 
arrangement. Never shall I forget that agitated meeting 
under the calm moonlight The whole scene rises now be. 
fore me. I see the be^iutiful girl standing trembling under 
the algarob-tree, the thorny branches of which were then 
weighed down wkh the large yellow pods of fruit. I see her 
in the loveliness of that eventful night ; her turquise -colored 
chiamal flowing to her feet, fastened to the shoulder by a sil 
ver brooch, and round her slender waist by a sash and silver 
buckle. She was grace itself, and needed no ornament ; but 
custom induced her to wear the large silver ear-rings, the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


89 


necklace and bracelets of brilliant stones, and the jewels in 
iier flowing tresses, 

I have heard enough, Carielpa,” cried I, in frantic de- 
spair. “ Leave me now forever! To-morrow I follow the 
in his expedition across the Cordilleras against the 
Tehicelhets ; I will cast myself upon the lances of these bar- 
barians, and perish on the plains. Why should I return here 
to see you the wife of another 

‘ Fe calm, Almagro,’ answered she. « It is the wish, the 
command, of Carielpa, that you should return to her. The 
Toqui loves his daughter, and will not sacrifice her happiness, 
tbet Almagro bow to the laws and government of Araucania* 
Let him become a great warrior, and the Toqui may then 
adopt him as bis son.’ 

“ I had no hope of such a happiness ; nor could even my 
love for Carielpa have bribed me to abjure my faith and 
my loyalty to my country f departed in moodiness and de- 
spair on the ill fated expedition. Many days after I returned, 
-'the harbinger of sorrow. We had been overpowered by 
the numbers of the Pam^ as Indians, defeated and scattered. 
A small number escaped by a pass of the mountains unknown 
t-o the enemy ; I was one of this unwelcome party, and by my 
endeavors, we rescued, ana brought with us, the body of our 
leader, pierced with many w'ounds. 

The grief of my Carielpa for the loss of her noble parent, 
was aggravated by the knowledge that the Toqui who was to 
succeed him, was the man to whom she had been promised, 
and who already insisted on his right to claim her as his wife. 
This claim she determined to escape ; and during the days of 
her mourning we met in secret, and arranged our flight. We 
had frequently heard of a missionary priest, who had been 
permitted to reside at a remote station at the foot of the Cor- 
dilleras* and we determined to seek his abode, and ask his 
counsel. 

“ I prepared two of the fleetest horses, and in the dead or 
night we mounted and fled unnoticed. Silently and swiftly 
we passed onwards for many miles, with throbbing hearts, and 
many an anxious glance behind us. As the morning light 
rose dimly, we looked upon the green hills and fertile 
plains we were leaving for the dark and dismal forests of the 
CbTdilleras But it was a flight from slavery to freedom, and 


90 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


we chose it without hesitation. As I was gazing fearfuli; 
at the distant scenes we had passed my eye rested on that 
lofty snow-covered mountain, from which is seen to rise thick 
smoke and gleams of light, n ght and day ; a mystery which 
the Araucanian cannot explain, but looks on, and trembles. 
We must have been tw^enty miles at least from this much 
dreaded spot, when suddenly a tremendous explosion, such as 
no mortal ear surely ever before heard, shook even the ground 
where we stood, riveted with horror. Then we saw volumes 
of red flames burst from the distant mountain, pour down its 
snowy sides, and shine through the dark woods below j from 
whence they spread rapidly over the plains below. 

‘ We have offended God by our flight,’ hoarsely mur- 
mured Carielpa. ‘ His judgment is pursuing us ! We are 
lost forever !’ 

“ I sought to calm the agitation of my beloved, but J, too, 
believed the day of doom was at hand. Still, with the instinct 
of human weakness, we urged on our horses for many miles 
up the steep sides of the hills to escape that flery torrent. 
Before the day closed we reached in safety the dwelling of 
the good priest. He welcomed us as his children, calmed our 
fears, explained to us the wonders of that volcanic eruption 
which he had also contemplated, with interest ; finally, he 
united us in the sacred bonds of marriage. He advised us to 
seek the concealment of some lone valley in the mountains 
till pursuit should be over ; then we might descend to the 
Pampas and commence the Guacho life, which I had so often 
described to my Carielpa. 

“ Through the means of the good father, we obtained such 
necessaries as we might require ; we exchanged horses for 
mules, as better fitted for mountain travelling ; I obtained 
arms and ammunition ; and with light hearts we set out on 
our perilous journey. 

“ For many days we travelled, resting beneath the trees, 
or in the caves of the mountain. At length, tempted by the 
charms of a little verdant valley, which seemed to have been 
a solitude since the creation of the world, we chose it for our 
home. There I built' a hut; I chased the puma and the al- 
paga, and with the skins of these animals lined the walls of 
my dwelling. I caught the vicuna, and the ingenius hands 
of Carielpa formed useful garments of its fur. 


THE MEllTON FAMILY. 


91 


I cultivated the ground, planting the seeds obtained frOw 
^he good priest ; and even among the mountains we had po- 
tatoes, beans, apples, peaches, and abundance of maize for 
our daily food. I captured the young llamas ; domesticated 
them, and the}' gave us milk to add to our wealth. We lived 
in plenty and in happiness ; our labor was light and pleasant, 
for we worked for ourselves j and, blessed with each other, 
we desird no society. 

“ To complete our happiness God bestowed on us a lovely 
girl. It was not till then th^ • we felt how precious our own 
lives were, and learned to >le at an unusual sound that 
might portend danger to us, t make our dwelling desolate. 
But years passed, and we ucie spared, and, our Zara sprung 
up in grace and beauty. She learned to climb the mountain, 
in order to capture the docile parrot, or the delicate humming- 
bird ; or to bring to us her little basket filled with gigantic 
strawberries. Sweet Zara ! she was our humming-bird ! the 
bright creature that floated among the flowers I the joy of our 
calm existence ! 

“ She was nine years of age, and we no longer thought of 
the sorrows of thf past, or the dangers of the present ; our 
thoughts were all ;• ! sorbed in plans for the happy future of 
our darling. One never to be forgotten, she had climbed 
the mouM'iin to Wc».tcL a nest of young parrots that had been 
her care for weeks, *’ was engaged in reaping my harvest, 
and my Oarielpa was as.-’sting me to bind and bring home the 
sheaves. For some time we did not notice the protracted ab- 
sence of our Zara. It was the mother’s heart that first 
caught the alarm ; she left me, and with nervous agitation 
proceeded to call loudly on her child. None answered ! she 
fled back to me, to beseech me to follow the dear wanderer. 
I smiled at her fears, but her word was my law, and I set out 
ap the mountain side in the child’s track. I pursued it be- 
yond the spot to which she, usually rambled ; suddenly a cold 
terror assailed me, for I saw the track I was on was that of 
horsemen. For a moment my breath failed me ; then I 
shrieked out the name of my child, but in vain ; all was still. 
I rushed desperately on, in the too-plainly marked track ; I 
dimed the steep heights, and at length, in a deep gorge, I 
caught a distant view of a large body of mounted Indians, gai.. 
hping at full speed. Alas ! alas ! even at that grt^ distance, 


92 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


I marked amid the band of naked dark robbers, the flowing 
scarlet poncho of my child ! 

‘‘ I sprung wildly after them, but every moment rendered 
the distance wider between us. In a few minutes I lost sight 
of them, and I knew that I should see ray child no more. I 
flung myself on the ground, and, in the bitterness of my des- 
pair, called on death. Then, starting up, 1 mechanically re- 
traced my homeward steps, and, bu'*.sting into the hut, in wild 
and broken words declared to my Carielpa our fatal bereave- 
ment. 

‘‘ May God forgive me for the deed, for I was mad ; but he 
has visited me for the sin. My tender wife looked wildly on 
me, and fell at my feet, bathed in the blood which flowed from 
her mouth. Then I saw that my rashness had murdered her ; 
and, in remorse and agony, I raised her and applied those 
herbal styptics that JNature has provided for our weakness ; 
she partially revived ; and I prayed her to live for my sake, to 
save me from the bitter reflection that [ had been her mur- 
derer. I even tried with a sinking heart, to ofler her hopes ; 
but she shook her head, though she was unable to speak. 

For days and weeks I watched over her, and in my painful 
anxiety I sometimes even forgot my first great sorrow. But 
God had ordained me heavier trials still. She, who was all 
that was left me in life, faded and died in my arms. I could 
not weep ; I hung over her for hours, scarcely more alive than 
herself. At length I roused myself. I shrouded her fair 
form in the hr ght garments of her maidenhood ; T dug her 
grave amid the flowers she loved, and marked the spot with a 
rocky slab, on which I carved her name. 

“ Then I fled from that desolated Eden : I loaded the 
mules and llamas with my few effects, and wandered from 
spot to spot amid the mountains, ever searching in vain for 
my lost child. I have crossed the lofty heights and descended 
to the Pampas. I have been chased by the savage tiibes of 
the mountain and the plain, and have escaped by miracle. 

“ Years elapsed, when, wearied and hopeless, at length I 
reared a hut in this lone valley, far distant from my first 
-iweet home : the grave of my peace. Here I have moodily 
fulfilled the necessary duty of providing for my subsistence ; 
but with my hopes my affections were chilled. I could nci 
love ever ite gentle llama that gave me food, or the familiar 


THE MERTON FAMILY, 


93 


oirds that built their nests beneath my roof. Existence WkJ 
a cheerless and melancholy duty ; and when your humanity 
prompted you to save my miserable life, my first feeling was 
regret that you had not left me to perish.” 

“ Do you still continue to regret it, unfortunate and pre- 
sumptuous man?” asked Mr. Merton. 

“ I do not, reverend man,” replied Almagro. ‘‘ Your 
mild counsels and holy persuasions have led me to believe 
that God has spared me for some special purpose. I am con- 
tent to live that I may fulfil the duties required of me. Tell 
me, then, what I ought to do ?” 

Mr. Merton was an able theorist ; but he looked towards 
Dr. Lewis, on whose practical wisdom he greatly relied, to 
answer the demand of the stranger. 

“ I think, Almagro,” said Lewis, that Mr. Merton will 
agree with me in recommending you to attempt a more useful 
course of life. You certainly cannot return into Araucania 
/n safety ; but you are active, you have the means of re- 
moving yourself from this solitary spot, and it is your duty to 
do so. God has created man to help his fellow-creatures. You 
can surely make your way to some region of usefulness, as 
we are endeavoring to do.” 

“ I have accideni-ally discovered a pass across the Ajndes,” 
replied Almagro. “ It is probably yet unknown to any one 
else. It is full of difficulties, and at a considerable distance 
from this spot ; but I can guide you to it. Yet even should 
we reach in safety the foot of the mountains, vast solitudes 
and manifold dangers would sl’d lie between us and the 
abodes of civilized man. Before us would stretch the 
dreary pathless Pampas, haunted py the destrtDying Indian, 
and by the demon of famine. Can God lead us through that 
wilderness ?” 

“ Man of little faith !” said Mr. Merton. ‘‘ That God 
whose protecting hand miraculously conducts and preserves 
us day by d-^y, can make for us a pleasant path through the 
wilderness, and bring us to a haven of peace and rest, if we 
trust in him.” 

“ And now I know, papa,” said Jack, << that it was God’s 
providence that sent me in*o the thicket after the guanaco, 
that I might help poor Almagro when he got that terrible 


94 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


fall. What a fortunate thing it was, for if he goes wiili us, 
we shall be such a happy party.” 

“ I fear my gloomy presence will not add to the happiness 
of the party,” said Almagro ; “ but I am summoned from my 
solitude, and am content to obey.” 

After this arrangement was agreed on, the family consented 
to remain seme days at the hut, till Almagro should be suffi- 
ciently recovered to travel. But none were idle : the little 
girls, under the direction of Nanny, attended to the llamas, 
milhod them, and even tried, by the rude process of shaking 
the cream in an empty cask, to produce butter. It was but 
an imperffict success j but they were greatly delighted to set 
the half-coagulated result of their labor before Mrs. Merton 
and Almagro, the two invalids of the party. 

The young men hunted the vicuna, instructed by Almagro, 
with some success, and caught parrots in plenty. They reaped 
the ripe maize, thrashed it, and stored it in bags of hide. 
They dug up the potatoes, gathered the beans, and packed 
all the provisions that were not perishable, in readiness for 
their long journey. Two of the hve horses, which they had 
with great difficulty brought to this spot, were still too feeble 
for use ; the remaining three had recovered wonderfully, from 
rest and plentiful food ; but Almagro had great doubt of their 
being useful in the difficult journey before them. He pro- 
posed that the two strongest animals should be laden with 
part of the baggage, the remainder to be placed on the 
llamas, who were accustomed to carry burthens. On his own 
excellent mule he had great reliance, and this w'as-to be given 
up to Mrs. Merton ; the rest of the party were to walk. This 
project could not be accomplished without great toil and 
fatigue, and their urogi'sss must necessarily be very slow j 
but a little consideratic n induced them all to agree to it. 

Almagro was now quite well ; and the preparations were 
all completed. The packages were neatly tied in guanaco 
skins ; a quantity of guarjaco flesh was dried and added to 
their store ; and on this, the last day they proposed to spend 
in the hut, Nanny declared they should have a feast. She 
made some cakes of pomuded maize mixed with cream, to be 
baked on the hearth ; while Matilda and Mary set out to the 
w>>Dd on the mountain side, behind the hut, for a basket of 
ripe strawberries. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


95 


The cakes were ready and the kettle boiled, and Nanny 
was beginning to be « ross, when the little girls entere'd 
hastily and in great tre^ .iauOTi. “We have brought yo« no 
strawberries, mamma,” exclaimed Mary ; “ we were so much 
frightened by the sound of roaring from the rooks. I believe 
we must have been near the den of some wild beast.” 

Mrs. Merton, in great alarm, begged that nobody would 
leave the hut, and that some barrier might be placed before 
the open entrance. 

“ Indeed, mamma,” said Matilda, “ my opinion is that 
Mary is wholly mistaken. The noise certainly was not the 
cry of any animal ; it was more like the moaning of wind con- 
fined within the mountains.” 

Charles uttered an exclammation. Dr. Lewis silenced him 
with a significant glance, and then turning to Mrs. Merton, 
he assured her that there were no dangerous animals in tfcKS 
valley ; but to satisfy her, Charles and he would examine the 
spot pointed out by the young ladies. At her desire they 
took their guns, and stepping into the open air, both at the 
same moment looked at the sky : it was calm and serene, and 
they breathed more freely. 

But on reaching the rocky side of the mountain, they dis- 
tinctly heard a low rumbling. 

“ It is the certain indication of an approaching earth- 
quake !” cried Charles. 

As he spoke they felt the ground beneath them vibrate. 

“ Let us return,” said the doctor ; “ we can do nothing to 
help ourselves ; we must pray for God to preserve us amid 
the dangers of these fearful mountains.” 

Before they reached the hut the sky was black v.ith thick 
clouds and the rain began to fall violently ; the llamas were 
trembling at the entrance of the hut, and followed the gen- 
tlemen into that shelter. 

The family were all in great consternation, for they had felt 
the shock, and the truth could no longer be concealed. Now 
the earth was still, but the rain poured in torrents, pene-' 
trating the roof, extinguishing the fire, and ruining part of 
Nanny’s festive cookery before she could rescue it. But it 
was of no consequence *, no one had any appetite-, and tm; 
enjoyed Nanny’s rich cakes “ no more than if they were eat- 
ing the corn out of the husk,” as she grumbled out. 


96 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


A few minutes after, another rumbling, succeeded by 
a more violent shock than the -.ir >t, announced that the danger 
was increasiog. The weakest wc;e now the bravest, and Mr. 
and >Irs. Mo-^ton, deeply imbued \\ 'IL the faith which alone can 
strengthen in adversity, and relying with simple and earnest 
love on their Saviour, called on the rest to unite with them in 
prayers of submission to the divine will. 

“ Why should we not yield up our lives to Him who gave 
them,’’ said Mr. Merton, as happily in this remote wil- 
derness as if we died on a bed of down, under a silken 
canopy ? He ordains all wisely ; let us submit in faith and 
hope.’’ 

While they were kneeling, listening to the prayers and 
pious exhortations of Mr. Merton, a terrific crash was heard. 
They shrieked involuntarily, for they believed the end of 
all things was at hand. It was truly the rending of moun- 
tains, of which huge masses came thundering down the steeps, 
The* earth heaved violently, and they all fell prostrate. The 
frail hut tottered, but remained uncrushed, though the light 
at the entrance which was at once door and window, was shut 
out. They were enclosed in a mass of rocky fragments. 

For some minutes they remained motionless, expecting in- 
stant destruction; but all was still and silent. Then Mary, 
in a tone of awe, whispered, “ Mamma, dear mamma, is this 
the Day of Judgment!” 

Mrs. Merton burst into tears, and Mr. Merton then ven- 
tured to look fearfully round to ascertain the extent of his 
loss. All were safe ; the fragile hut stood firm amidst that 
“ wreck of matter and one after another the awe-struck and 
humbled Christians rose from the earth to thank God for their 
preservation. 

Comforted and resigned, they looked round, and, through 
an opening in the roof, saw the light, which convinced them 
they were not entirely buried. Through this opening the 
rain poured in, and it was salutary employment for them to 
remove their packages to a dry corner of the hut, and to place 
the water-cask beneath the opening, at once to prevent an 
inundation, and to secure the precious fluid their imprison- 
ment prevented them from otherwise obtaining 

There was certainly something frightful in the rocky bar- 
rier which obstructed their escape from the hut ; but their 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


97 


chief terror now arose from the repeated shocks, which con- 
tinued during the day at intervals of half an hour. Nighc 
brought no respite or rest ; and at midnight a most extraor- 
dinary rocking of the earth was accompanied by such a deaf, 
ening sound of subterranean thunder as the artillery of man’s 
invention could never have produced. 

For some hours after this violent shock no sound was heard 
but that of the pouring rain, and the roar of torrents rushing 
from the heights. Fear, long watching, and abstinence had 
stupefied them all so much, that it was only when the day- 
light glimmered faintly through the opening above that they 
rallied, and began to hope that the terrors of the awful visita- 
tion were passed. 

At the desire of Dr. Lews they took some food, and, re- 
vivived by the refreshment, proceeded to action. The timid 
crouching llamas were fed with some maize straw, which had 
been fortunately brought into the hut, and were then milked. 
The overflowing water-cask was removed, and, to exclude 
the rain, they were compelled to close the opening with hides, 
thus shutting out the light which rendered their captivity still 
more dismal. They made small openings in the side walls of the 
hut, but in vain, for immoveable rocks seemed to enclose the 
hut on all sides. This was a melancholy prospect ; but, at 
all events, no attempt at escape could be made during the 
heavy and incessant rain. 

They continued as tranquil as their distressing situation 
permitted them to be for three days, occasionally feeling 
tremblings of the earth, but no more great shocks. At the 
end of that time the rain ceased, and they ventured to re- 
move the covering from the roof. The air was most grateful 
to them, and Nanny once more lighted a fire, that they might 
have the refreshment of a warm breakfast. 

And now, papa,” said Jack, “ you must send me out 
through the roof ; and I hope I shall return with the olive- 
branch in my mouth.” 

It was not without much persuasion that the timid parents 
consented to an expedition which was absolutely necessary, 
and which Jack, light and active, was best fitted to under- 
take. He was enjoined to be cautious and observing, and to 
return speedily, and was then assisted by his friends through 
the opening of roof, which was widened to allow him to 
pass. 


7 


98 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


They waited with considerable anxiety to hear his report 
of the state of things, and very soon were thrown into a state 
of great alarm by hearing a doleful cry from the boy, who 
seemed to be at some distance from the hut. The distracted 
parents looked at their friendly counsellor, Lewis, in dismay, 
their minds filled with images of danger and death. 

“ Charles,” said Lewis, ‘‘ I leave the honor of this enter- 
prise to you. You are lighter than I am, and can scale the 
roof with less risk. You must take your lance with you, for 
it may aid your descent. But I do not apprehend any danger 
to the impetuous boy, my dear friends j his cry was rather that 
of sorrowful astonishment than of alarm.” 


CHAPTER IX. 


Charles follows Jack. Melancholy effects of the Earthquake. Re- 
lease from the Hut. Commencement of the Ascent. Bridge-build- 
ing. The Bearded Bird. Return of Niger. The Lake among the 
Mountains. The Snowy Region and its privations. The Pass. 

Charles was not unwilling to redeem his character from 
the reproach of indolence ; he was, moreover, sincerely at- 
tached to his favorite companion Jack, and anxious to assist 
him. He passed through the opening, and over the roof with- 
out mischief, and descended over the fragment of rock whic^i 
half buried the hut. He looked round, and was struck with 
wonder at the strange scene the late smiling valley present- 
ed. Immense stones which had been hurled from the heights, 
lay scattered or piled around : no vestige of cultivation re- 
mained ; the whole plain was a mass of chaotic confusion. 

On making his way forward, over rent rocks and uprooted 
forests with considerable difficulty, he at length reached 
.Jack, who was sitting weeping on the summit of a pile of 
stones. ^ 

“ Well, Jack, my good fellow,” cried his friend, “Is this 
your olive-branch ? What has happened to you ?” 

“ Oh ! Charley, I cannot help crying when I see all this,” 
replied the boy. “ Those huge rocks lying against the hut. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


99 


we cannot move, and dear papa and mamma can never cross 
them. And I actually believe, Charley, that the poor horses 
are laid dead beneath these great rocks, for they are nowhere 
tc be seen ; and without them wm may remain forever shut up 
in our dark prison.” 

Jack was not of a desponding character, but terror and con- 
hnement had quite subdued him. Charles was compelled to 
use greater energy than was usual to his indolent nature, before 
he could rally the usually buoyant spirits of his young friend. 
He suggested brighter hopes, and engaged Jack to accompany 
him to examine the state of the hut. The immense mass of 
rock which had fallen before the entrance, being higher than 
the roof, had shielded it from further dangers. The back of 
the hut originally rested against the rock, and the ends were 
half buried in piles of stones. The pile at the south end had 
fallen about two feet from the hut, and the narrow pass left, 
induced them to hope an escape might be made from this 
end. 

They raised one of the uprooted trees against the hut to 
form a ladder, and their return was thus easily effected ; and 
hailed with joy by the family, notwithstanding their melan- 
choly report. Jack declared that he could not help crying 
out when he saw the poor dear horses were missing ; he had 
forgotten that he should alarm them. 

“ But I was glad,” added he, “ when I saw Charley, for he 
knew what ought to be done at once. But, papa, how can 
we get on without our good horses C* 

“They were not our horses. Jack,” answered his father, 
“ and I have felt no peace of mind since we brought them 
aw’ay. God has punished us for the act by depriving us of 
our ill-gotten treasures. The poor animals may have fled into 
the woods ; and I wish that I could be assured that they had 
returned to their true owners.” 

This wish was not heartily responded to, for Jack and Tom 
had not forgiven the Indians for carrying off the boat. Dr. 
Lewis observed, that all animals have an instinctive knowledge 
of an approaching earthquake, and that doubtless they had fled 
to a less dangerous situation. 

“ ]Vjy faithful mule,” said Almagro, “ the companion of my 
days of misery, will certainly return to me, if he be living. 
Besides, the two llamas have been trained to carry burthens, 


100 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 


and will be very useful in our journey. Fear not, kind fel- 
low-Christians, God has saved us in the earthquake, and will 
not leave us here to perish.” 

“ Well, then, Almagro,” said Jack, “we must begin by 
pulling down this wall at the south end of the hut.” 

“ Allow me to suggest,” said Tom, “ that such a proceed- 
ing must inevitably let down the roof upon our heads. Wc 
must first prop the rafters, and then, the opening should be 
carefully arched to make it secure.” 

“ Or what would you say, Tom,” said Dr. Lewis, smiling, 
“ if, since the hut can be no longer habitable, we should 
commence by taking down the roof, and thus avoid the 
danger of its falling upon us, or the necessity of an arched 
outlet 

The plan was approved, and Almagro consented to the de- 
struction of his hut. “ I had hoped,” continued he, “ that 
after we had abandoned it, it might, at some time have af- 
forded shelter to other distressed wanderers ) but this is a ne- 
cessity.” 

The removal of the thatch and rafters that formed the roof 
was soon effected ; after which the end wall was demolished. 
They had now light and air sufficient, but the accunjulation 
of stones, trees, and soil, before the opening, formed an ob- 
stacle difficult to surmount. But a little contrivance and in- 
dustry smoothed the difficulty. At the part where the pile 
of rubbish was lowest, they shovelled the soil and formed an 
inclined plane, which it was easy even for Mrs. Merton to 
cross. Wearied with labor they sheltered themselves as well 
as they could, and lay down to take their last night’s rest 
within the walls of the hut. 

As if it had had an instinctive knowledge of their inten- 
tion, the lost mule waked them early in the morning with its 
welcome braying. Almagro started up to meet and caress 
his faithful friend, which was in good condition, and quite 
uninjured. They all now commenced with alacrity the labor 
of the morning. They moved to the least encumbered spot of 
the plain all their packages, loaded the two strong llamas, re- 
serving the lightest burden for the female, which was least 
able to carry. A load of skins was placed on the mule, on 
which Mrs. Merton was seated, while her husband led the 
animal. 


THE MERTON FAlUl^r. 


101 


All being ready, Almagro took a last look at the hut he 
had inhabited for so many miserable years, and they moved 
in a tedious and perilous manner over the impediments in 
their way. As they proceeded they still found the way ob- 
structed by scattered rocks, and broken trees, and they were 
continually obliged to deviate in order to avoid them. At 
length they reached the stream which Dounded the valley, but 
found, to their consternation, it had become a torrent, which, 
confined by the st^ep rocky banks, was now deep and impas- 
sable' -a roaring and foaming river. They looked at Almagro 
for counsel. 

“It is absolutely necessary,” said he, “ that we should 
cross this stream in order to reach the pass. It may be many 
days before this torrent subsides ; more rain even may fall and 
keep up the impetuous waters. « Laden as we are, it is 
impossible to ford the stream ; we must therefore make a 
bridge.” 

“ I know something of the principle of brldg^'-buildicg,” 
said Tom, with a sage look, “ and I pronounce that such an 
undertaking would take too much time ; though we have 
abundance of material close at hand.” 

“ How very simple you are Tom,” said Jack. “ Of course 
Almagro did not mean that we should build a grand stone 
bridge, like London Bridge ; so you need not tire the girls 
with a lecture on piles and arches.” 

“I should not be tired of a scientifio lecture,” said Matild.o, 
“ if it was applicable to our case ; but give us your plan of a 
bridge. Jack.” 

“ Just a lot of smooth planks laid across the river, and then 
shorter ones placed crosswise, to make it firm. There you 
have my bridge,” said Jack. 

“ Which would require more time and labor than we can 
• give, and better tools than we possess,” said Lewis. “ I sus- 
pect that Almagro’s bridge will be more simple.” 

' Almagro explained his plan ; then the animals were released 
from their burthens for rest and refreshment ; the tent cover 
was suspended over two opposite pieces of rock, and under its 
shelter dinner was prepared, while the young men set vigo- 
rously to work on their bridge. 

They easily found a prostrate tree long enough to span the 
narrow torrent ; they lopped off the branches, and drew it to 


102 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OJ? 


the bank. Then, studying one end of the trunk against a 
piece of rock lying at the brink, they raised the tree by long 
ropes of twisted thong, and let it fall across the stream. Their 
first attempt succeeded happily, and they prepared and low- 
ered a second tree, in the same manner. A little distance in- 
tervened between the trunks, but Almagro, accustomed to 
cross streams on these slight bridges, passed over quickly, 
and assisted them with his sound arm to place the trees si do 
by side. This bridge about three feet across, was sufficient 
for the agile boys ; but the timidity of Mrs. Merton obliged 
them to fill up the hollow in the middle with the broken 
branches and brushwood. It was then pe.rwcily safe : Jack 
ran across several times to show its stSubility j thei: the nrule 
and llamas were led over, and finrilly Mrs. Merton submitted 
to be carried across by Dr» Lewis, who was tjall and strong. 
The rest of the party had no fears ; and they very soon had 
their tent again raised on the opposite phore, whicn they pre- 
ferred lest any new storm should carry away their bridge ; 
and without any disturbance they spent the first night of their 
journey. 

They were waked by the chattering of the parrots, and 
the charming song of an unknown beautiful little bird, 
which Jack captured and brought to the t*-5Ut, that the na- 
turalists might give it a name. 

‘‘ I should say it was a canary-bird,” said Tom, “ if it 
be possible to meet with a canary-bird in the Audee.” 

“Or if a canary-bird ever wore a black velvet cap on its 
head, as this pretty creature does said Matilda. “ I pro- 
nounce that it resembles more our English goldfinch in 
its note and plumage than the canary. Am I not correct, 
papa 

“ ^s\T a goldfinch or a canary with a long beard, 

like this curious warbler?” said Jack. “I think it must 
have been some venerable old hermit of these woods, trans- 
formed by some wicked sorceress into a bird.” 

“It is certainly not the goldfinch, Matilda,” said Mr. 
Merton, “ though it must be one of the same family, the 
Frangillidoi ; but I am not so well versed in the ornitho- 
logy of South America as our friend Dr. Lewis, who doubt- 
less can tell you the species.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


103 


♦ It is the Fringilla barbata,’ said Lewis, “ remarkable for 
ihe beauty of its plumage, the melody of its song, and the 
singularity of its venerable black beard. You may observe 
that the throat is covered with black hair, which increases in 
length every year the bird lives, and I believe its existence 
generally extends to ten years. From the length of iis 
beard, we may conclude our captive has reached extreme oi l 
y®! you hear its voice is undecayed. It builds in the 
rocks a nest of small s',«v;eii and feathers, and feeds, like th- 
rest of the Fringilla fat-o.I/, on the seeds of plants. I would 
advise you now to release it. Jack ; we shall have more 
pleasure in hearing its notes when it is in freedom, and I pre- 
sume you have no design to roast and eat it.” 

There was a general cry of horror at such a suggestion : 
the creature was too charming to be eaten ; and finally. Jack 
was persuaded to set it at liberty, as they could not preserve 
it, unless they took the trouble to make a cage for it, and 
even then it must be an incumbrance in their toibome 
journey. 

The road by which Alraagro conducted them led along the 
side of the mountains, ascending gradually ; and though it 
was rugged and entangled with thicket, was less bewildering 
than their former aimless course. As they reached a higher 
region, the trees became stunted and thinly scattered, and 
the pasturage still more scanty. They rarely found any birds 
for food, but had no fear of famine, for they had still a large 
stock of dried meat and maize, and the mountain springs 
were unfailing. They also carried some straw for the animals, 
when they should have ascended beyond vegetation. 

But they did certainly wish for some fresh meat, after 
many days’ slow travelling ; and they looked anxiously out 
for the appearance of the guanacoes, but in vain ; till one 
night, when they were preparing to rest under the shade of a 
projecting rock. Jack declared he heard the step of a guanaco. 
'Fhey all remained silent ; the trampling was distinctly 
heard ; the bolas and lassoes were made ready. Then a loud 
neigh was heard — the guanaco was at hand — and they ranged 
themselves about to intercept the welcome visitor. A minute 
elapsed, then a rustling was heard in a thicket behind them, 
and out sprung a horse ! 


104 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


“It is our faithful Niger!” cried Jack; and they all 
recognised with pleasure the stoutest of their lost horses, a 
great favorite with the boys. lie was much improved in con- 
dition, having evidently led a life of ease and plenty during 
liis travels. 

“ He must have followed us for some days,” observed 
Charles, “for I have more than once fancied 1 heard a dis- 
tant neighing. Poor fellow ! how glad he seems to be to 
sec his friends again, little thinking of the reception he so 
na.Towly escaped.” 

•'•And now, papa,” said Mary, “as Niger has given him- 
selr up voluntarily to us, I suppose we may conscientiously 
keep him 

Mr. Merton paused, and then agreed that they should use 
Niger as their own; for as he understood the horses which 
roamed over the Pampas were common property, they should 
not infringe on justice by appropriating this wanderer. Niger 
was therefore provided with a saddle of skins, and Mr. iMer* 
ton mounted him, carrying his daughters alternately behind 
him. The rest of the family were supposed never to be tired 
of WwA'Iig, though this was a mistake ; for night after night 
th?/ encamped weary and footsore, and sat down to patch 
theii- dilapidated shoes, in the best way they could, with 
pieces of hide. 

But they all continued in excellent health and spirits ; 
Mrs. Merton was so much stronger, that she now took her 
turn to walk for an hour, while Nanny took her place on the 
mule ; and Almagro’s arm was perfectly well. They w'ere 
now little interrupted by the thicket, for vegetation had 
decreased to a few half-dried shrubs and some scattered 
blades of grass, — insufficient pasturage for the hungry ani- 
mals. The shrubs were collected to light the evening fire, 
under some sheltering crag ; or, better still, in some cave, 
when they had the good fortune to meet with one, for the 
nights were intensely cold : this cold was not, however, 
detrimental to health, as they all experienced. 

From time to time they passed over the ridges of the 
mountains into some of ^he numerous valleys of the Andes, 
where they found better shelter and herbage. But still be- 
fore them rose the gigantic form of the principal Cordillera, 
which, like a monster wall, saemed to shut out the world be- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


105 


yoiid, and to reach to heaven. The trembling girls inquired 
of Alinagro, if they should have to ascend to that snow- 
crowned summit ; but he assured them that would not be the 
case, but begged them to collect in the valley all the dry 
roots and grass they could obtain, as they would probably 
meet wdh no more vegetation or fuel. They aow ascended 
the banks of a stream, on a sort of pathway, left by the 
passing-off of the waters of t!;e last winter’s snows, which 
must in the spring have swollen that slender stream into a 
torrent. Slowly and patiently man and beast toiled up this 
rugged ascent for hours, till they reached a ridge of rocks, 
where a shelving spot allowed them to light their fire, and 
take rest and refreshment and to give their poor animals the 
last straw they possessrd. 

Morning showed them, beneath their resting-place, another 
valley or basin, green with a slight vegetation, towards which 
they gladly proceeded, and allowed the animals to crop the 
few blades of g'-ass. Crossing the valley, which was about 
two miles in width, they encountered a broad and rapid river. 
It looked dark and deep ; but there was no choice ; they 
must attempt to ford it, for there were no materials here for 
making bridges, even if the river had been narrow enough 
for such an attempt. Dr. Lewis undertook to try the stream 
by riding over on the mule ; he was an excellent swimmer, 
and therefore did not mind the risk. He found the water 
not more than four feet deep, but somewhat dangerous from 
its rapidity ; but he succeeded in carrying the party over, 
one at a time, behind him. The llamas and horse were re- 
luctant to enter the water ; but they were attached in a line 
by ropes ; and Dr. Lewis, leading the way on the untiring 
mule, drew the line across the river. There was much 
struggling and noise, but no damage ; and, after a little 
rest to recruit them after their fright, they pursued their 
weary way. 

The road they now took wound along the sides of the 
mountain above, a precipice. The narrow path was scattered 
with stones, which rolled beneath their feet, and rendered it 
dangerous and painful to pass over them. They looked down 
into hollows filled with snow, for now verdure was no more 
reen, while still above them the snowy summits towered to 
the clouds, dazzling their eyes and depressing their hopes. 


106 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


They seemed to have passed the limits of animal or vegeta- 
ble life, and were shocked to meet with the skeleton of a 
horse, left in all probability by the Indians in crossing the 
destroying mountains. The only living creatures they saw 
were the giant condors, hovering over their heads, flapping 
their huge wings, and watching for their expected prey. 
Mrs. Merton was in constant dread of these birds ; and, in 
truth, it would not have been difficult for these monstrous 
creatures to have attacked and overpowered any of the en- 
feebled party. 

“Oh, Almagro !” cried Tom, “I can go no farther; my 
shoes are worn out and can be mended no more : I am sick 
and weary ; and unless we had wings, like yon hideous con- 
dor, we could never mount to those snow-covered heights.’’ 

“ My feet are bleeding too,” said Jack “ but I should not 
mind very much for that, if it was not so cold ; and we can- 
not make a fire for want of fuel. We might, to bo sure, burn 
the tent-pole.” 

“That we must certainly not do,” said Lewis. Under 
the shelter of this projecting rock, by the aid of the pole and 
sail, we can raise our tent, and then, wrapped in our blankets 
and cloaks, we must try to forget our toils and troubles. Be- 
sides, Almagro will satisfy you, Tom, that we shall not be 
compelled to ascend to yon snowy pinnacles before we reach 
the eastern descent of the Cordilleras.” 

Almagro smiled, and assured Tom that he hoped in another 
day to bring them to the pass ; an assurance that revived their 
drooping spirits. They then made a good supper on a mixture 
of charqui and pounded maize, boiled to a sort of jelly, which 
Nanny, warned by Almagro, had prudently prepared before 
the fuel failed. The famished animals were supplied with a 
handful of maize each, a little milk was obtained from the 
llama, and then, thanking God that they had still food, shelter, 
and safety, they heaped all the covering they could obtain over 
them, and slept peacefully. 

Jack, in spite of his sorrows and his sore feet, waked them 
up early next morning with a hunting-song. His spirits never 
flagged ; ho was the best worker, and the most good-natured 
assistant of the party. It was Jack who pounded the charqui 
wl en Nanny was tired : he fed the animals, rolled up the blan- 


, THE MERTON FAMILY. 


10 ^ 

kets for his mother and sisters, and sometimes for Charles too. 
It was he who delighted Almagro with wonderful stores of 
English customs and English happy homes ; and it was he who, 
when every one was desponding, cheered them with his gay 
laugh and merry song. 

“Come here, Master Jack,” said Nanny; “I have long 
thought of it, and just take my clogs to walk in. I have a 
pair of good shoes yet, and that’s more than some can say. 
You laughed at me for bringing my clogs, and now see what 
a good job it was.” 

The fact was that Nanny, never to be persuaded that her 
future home was to be entirely unlike her native home, had, 
in order to provide against all emergencies, brought amongst 
her stores a pair of the wooden-soled shoes worn by the moun- 
tain peasantry of Westmoreland; and these clogs, as they are 
provincially called, she had worn in her toilsome pilgrimage. 
This had been a most fortunate experiment, for Nanny’s feet 
had suffered less from the journey than those of any one else ; 
and Almagro’s admiration of the clogs had been so great, that 
he had declared, as soon as they had reached the region of 
wood again, he would certainly make a pair of clogs. Even 
Charles, who had destroyed a great part of his collection of 
light, elegant, London boots, looked with envy on Nanny’s 
sabots, and admitted that he might himself have been tempt- 
ed to endeavor to fabricate a pair of clogs, if the summit of 
the Andes had not been a locality so extremely unfavorable 
to the operations of shoe-making. 

“ On ! on ! chattering boys,” called Lewis, “ and let us 
take advantage of the bright sunshine to follow Almagro to 
the highest point of our pilgrimage.” 

The highest point, the long-sought for pass, was the flat 
summit of a peak, where the snow lay for ever. In the midst 
of the plain was a wide frozen lake, evidently the crater of an 
extinguished volcano. They gazed on it with astonishment 
and awe, wondering how many centuries had passed since it 
had poured its devastating fires down to the plains. They 
ound several shells in a calcined state scattered around, 
amongst which they recognised the oyster, conch, and perri* 
winkle shells. 

‘ “ It surelie must have been some of the fairy folks,” said 
Nanny, “ that have fetched these bonny sea-shells all the way 


108 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


up these weary hills, and have laid them up here for their own 
bairns^ 

“ And now that we have found them, Nanny,” said Jack, 
“ who knows but one of the good fairies may hop out of a 
conch-shell and turn it into a coach drawn by fiery dragons, 
to carry us over the mountains'?” 

“ Don’t you talk nonsense. Master Jack,” said Nanny, 
‘‘ before folks that know things. Here’s Master Tom, now, 
will know out of his books how these sea-shells came to be 
lying so far fron the sea.” 

« These shells, Nanny, are probably antediluvian, the relics 
of an earlier world,” began Tom, gravely 

“ Which, in plain language, means, Nanny,” interrupted 
Dr. Lewis, laughing, “ that these shells were brought here by 
the great Deluge, of which you read in your bible.” 

“ Doubtless,” said Mr. Merton, ‘‘ this is a fact, for we know 
that the animals which inhabit the plains, and the fishes fi om 
the depths of the sea, were alike deposited on the summits of 
the highest mountains, when, at the word of God, the waters 
covered the whole earth. The ignorant savage, wherever he 
is found, acknowledges the fact of the Deluge ; but the Chris- 
tian knows that the sin of man brought this fearful visitation 
on the world. Let us contemplate its traces with awe and 
trembling, beseeching our heavenly Father to have compassion 
on the frailty of humanity, and to spare us and our children 
from the punishment our sins ever deserve.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


109 


CHAPTER X. 


The Eastern View from the pass. Commencement of the Descent. 

Expeditious Despatch of the Baggage down the Steep. The Caves. 

Ihe Snow-storm and its results. Privations. The Chase of the 

Guanacoes. Jack’s Perilous Adventure in the Snow. 

On each side of the pass rose the lofty walls of still higher 
mountains, which the family believed they never could have 
surmounted, but must have perished in their wanderings, but 
for the guidance of Almagro. The plain extended for two 
miles beyond the crater ; it was scattered with broken and 
pulverized fragments, which rendered walking difficult and 
painful, even on the level ground. At length they reached 
the termination of the pass and looked down on the wondrous 
scene of the eastern descent. Mountains below mountains 
were spread before them, separated by deep hollows filled 
W.iih snow, into which it appeared to them a single false step 
might precipitate the unfortunate traveller. The eye ached 
with gazing on the vast and widely-spread declivity, which 
terminated in a blue haze — the unextinguishable Pampas. 

The eastern descent is more abrupt than that of the west, 
and every step is attended with danger ; yet still it was with 
extreme satisfaction that they took the winding downward 
path, which was more distinctly marked than any they had yet 
trodden. Tney rested for the night on a level spot, with 
aching limbs, and the inspection of their diminished stores 
did not tend to cheer them. The dried meat was quite ex- 
hausted, and the maize, which they were obliged to share with 
their famishing animals, was nearly at an end. 

But the morning light, after a night of repose, renovated 
their spirits, and they set out with bolas and lassoes in readi- 
ness, hoping to fall in with the guanacoes, and, in the ardor 
of search, they almost forgot their fatigue and hunger. For 
some time they pursued a monotonous zig-zag path, unbroken 
by any appearance of life, till at length they met with a few 
withered plants of grass scattered among the broken frag- 
ments and patches of snow. These afforded a feast for 
their exhausted beasts, who picked up every leaf in theii 
reach. 


MO 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS Off 


Though the air was keen and transparent, Dr. Lewis ex 
pressed his satisfaction that none of the party, not even Mrs. 
Merton, had suffered from that difficulty of breathing which 
is so frequently produced by the rarity of the atmosphere in 
these lofty regions. There was still another danger to which 
they were liable, and this Almagro explained to them, was the 
reason he wished so especially to expedite their descent. This 
danger was the chance of a fall of snow, which not unfre- 
quently occurs among these mountains, even in the early 
autumn. Ho pointed out, several hundred feet below them, 
a basin of table-land, surrounded by mountains, which he was 
anxious to reach^ for he knew that several caverns existed 
on that spot, which would afford them safe and convenient 
shelter for the night. 

This valley could only be attained by a long and circuit- 
ous path : and Almagro proposed that they should relieve the 
feeble animals from their burthens by sending the baggage 
down the steep. This was an experiment Mr. Merton was 
unwilling to consent to, as he considered it extremely hazard- 
ous, but his children were very anxious to see the adventure ; 
and Dr. Lewis the grand counsellor, assuring Mr, Merton 
that he might implicity trust the prudence and experience of 
Almagro, he was at last induced to consent. 

The tent and pole being first confined by a rope, were al- 
lowed to glide a little way down the steep ; then the rope was 
withdrawn and they quickly descended to the level below. 
The boxes and bags followed, watched with great anxiety, and 
all reached the bottom in safety; though Nanny railed fu- 
riously at Almagro, who fortunately did not comprehend her 
words, for his madness in sending the bag with the pans and 
kettles “ to toppel down the mountains in that unnatural 
manner.” The relieved animals uttered joyful cries, and went 
on their waj cheerfully, the old llama being now followed by 
a little tottering young one, which was born on the sum- 
luit, of the Andes, and had entered very early into a life 
of toil. 

The deviations of the road now hid the baggage from their 
sight, then nothing could divert Nanny from the idea that 
they should find all their property carried off by Indian rob- 
bers ; and when after a long journey, they reached the valLy, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


Hi 


and she looked over the packages, she seemed surprised that 
nothing was missing. 

Almagro pointed out to them some openings in the face of 
the opposite mountain, which he assured them led to spacious 
caves, where he had often rested in his wanderings. They 
followed him across a plain thinly scattered with the long, 
rushy grass of the Andes, till they reached the entrance of 
one of the caves. 

“ In this place,” said Almagro, “ I have frequently lodged 
in my expedition to the Pampas ; and two years ago I left 
here some stores against my return, but, travelling far to the 
north, I crossed the mountains by another pass. It is possi- 
ble we may still find them.” 

They passed through the narrow entrance into a lofty and 
spacious cavern, by no means gloomy, for many apertures 
above the entrance admitted light. In the midst were the 
traces of a fire, and in one corner was a heap of brushwood, 
which Almagro recognised to be his own, the remains of a 
prudent provision he had made for crossing the mountain.s, 
iJid left there till he should return. Beneath the fuel re- 
mained, untouched and uninjured, a bag of guanaco skin, con- 
taining a good supply of maize. 

It would not be possible to describe Nanny’s delight at 
the sight of the maize ; she had been greatly prejudiced 
against this grain when she first saw it, but she now hailed it 
as good provision. Her good-humor was only of short dura- 
tion however, for, on removing the shawl from her head, she 
suddenly recollected that her friend Jack had induced her to 
take off her stiff, black silk bonnet, which was no protection 
from the cold, and to supply its place with the shawl, while 
he had placed her bonnet, she now believed, in one of the 
bagf . And it was so ; the bonnet was found, under the pans, 
kettles, and heavy baggage, crushed flat. 

It was impossible to resist the provocation to mirth which 
Nanny':, flattened bonnet presented, and the shrieks of 
laughter from the young party were loud, and extremely 
irritating to the aggrieved damsel; but Mrs. Merton quietly 
reproved them, and promised Nanny, if it pleased God to 
grant them a permanent resting-place, her first care should 
be to make her a new bonnet. 


112 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ If we should come to any fields of grain,” said Matilda, 

« I am well skilled in plaiting straw, and I have no doubt, 
mamma, I could succeed in making Nanny a better bonnet 
than you could.” 

When did Miss Matilda Merton ever doubt that she did 
not do everything better than everybody else V' said Jack. 

“ Here, then, successful young lady, here are my bolas. Go 
forth, and entrap a guanaco for us.’’ 

Matilda was annoyed by the sarcasms of her lively brother, 
and was about to make an angry reply ; but she saw that her 
father looked serious, and that her friend Dr. Lewis shook 
his head at her, and she reflected that perhaps she had 
boasted a little in her assertion, and had better say no more. 

Mrs. Merton’s gentle words had somewhat allayed the 
vexation of Nanny, and she commenced the pleasing duty of 
kindling a fire once more. In the meantime the youths went 
out to unharness the animals ; then, directed by Almagro, 
they proceeded to an adjoining cave, where he pointed out to 
them a bundle of dried grass and maize-stalks, which he had 
left there on his last journey. 

' Hurrah !” cried Jack, “ Let us give the poor beasts a 
good feed.” 

“Stay, my young friend,” said Alraagro. “ Com?ider ; the 
animals will find sufficient grass in the valley for their sub- 
sistence to-night; and some unfortunate travellers may 
chance to pass this way in the winter, when the snow has 
bidden all vegetation. Then this scanty snpply may enable 
them to save the lives of their beasts, and thus they may 
themselves have the means left of escaping from the death 
of famine which hovers over these mountains in the winter 
season.” As he spoke he pointed to the skeleton of a mule, 
which lay a few paces from the cave, a victim in all proba- 
bility to the perils of the Andes. 

“ You are r^ght, worthy man,” said Mr. Merton, who had 
joined them, “ Charity requires that we should best':v a por- 
tion of the blessings we possess with prudence and iiscrimi- 
nation, in order that we may benefit those who need our 
.aid. We must use with economy the store n>i.Je for the un- 
fortunate, Would that our means allowed uy io add to it.” 

At the suggestion of Almagro, they removed the proven- 
der to the cave in which they designed to lodge themselveS,^ 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


113 


leaving the adjoining cave open, in case the inclemency of 
the mght-air should induce the animals to seek a shelter. 
Tom and Jack undertook to carry the burthens; as they left 
the cave an animal fied swiftly past them ; but not so 
swiftly as to escape the ever-realy bolas of Almagro, who 
secured the fugitive, and entered the cave with his welcome 
prize. 

It was the large hare of the Pampas, sometimes, hut rarely 
found in the valleys of the Andes. It must have weighed 
twenty pounds, and was a most seasonable relief under the 
present circumstances. After Almagro had skinned the ani- 
mal, he commenced the cleaning of the soft downy skin, of 
which he planned to make a pair of warm boots for Mrs. 
Merton, with the fur inside. 

The girls milked the llama for their present refreshment, 
and Nanny in the mean time made a stew of the hare and a 
little maize. She had still a good supply of salt, and the 
supper, impatiently waited for, was pronounced by the hungry 
party to be the perfection of cookery. After supper they 
rolled large stones to defend the entrance, and, arranging 
their packages and couches conveniently, oflfered up their 
prayers, and slept in peace. 

But soon after midnight Dr. Lewis was waked by the loud 
howling of the wind, and the rattling of stony fragments 
w’hirled iown the steep, mingled with the neighing and bleat- 
ing of the alarmed animals. He listened awhile, and then 
turned to rest, thankful that they had such a secure shelter; 
but the storm, increasing in violence, once more awoke him, 
and he found Almagro standing at the entrance of the cave, 
where, between the rocky fragments with which they had 
formed an imperfect barrier, the snow had forced its way and 
lay scattered on the ground. 

“ This is what I have ever dreaded,’’ said Almagro. 
“ These fearful temporales^ the sudden storms of autumn, are 
death to the unfortunate travellers who are exposed to them. 
God has graciously granted us a protection from the tempest, 
and He alone knows how long we may need it, and how we 
shall subsist in this desert.” 

Charles Villars now joined the alarmed friends. He had 
i Heard fearful tales of these hurricanes, which bring down the 
snow suddenly from the summits of the mountains, entomb- 
8 


114 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

ing man and beast in an untimely sepulchre ; and greatly 
agitated, he watched with them the falling snow till daybreak. 
When the dismayed family were assembled, and had removed 
the stones from the entrance, they found the snow lying two 
feet deep already, and falling as furiously as ever, while the 
raging wind threatened destruction to all who were exposed 
to it. 

“ This is, indeed, terrible !” said Mr. Merton. “ My 
children, let us pray for the tempest-stricken wanderers, 
perishing unaided and unprepared, while we thank the 
gracious God who has spread his rocks to shelter us in the 
storm and the whirlwind.” 

After prayers they had a consultation on their position. 

They were certainly in perfect security from the danger of 
the storm, but it might be of long continuance ; their pro- 
vision was scanty, and there was no probability of their 
having the means to augment it. However Mr. Merton for- 
bade all despondency, and entreated them to roly firmly on 
the providence of Qod, who had ever helped them. 

They breakfasted on the remainder of the stew to save 
their fuel ; but soon after the cold became so intolerable, 
from the wind blowing over the accumulated snow, that they 
were compelled to light a fire, and to crowd round it for 
warmth. 

The hardy boys, less susceptible of cold than their sisters 
or their parents, rambled about among the many caves which 
branched from their lodging. They discovered that the whole 
series of these caverns communicated with each other, and in 
their wanderings they entered a division which they found to 
be tenanted by their animals. CMt was the cave they had left 
open for the poor creaturei^, which had gladly resorted to it 
in the storm. In a remote part of the cave Niger and the 
mule were standing together, trembling violently, but the 
llamas, more accustomed to mountain hurricanes, were lying 
peacefully near the entrance. 

As the snow was whirling into the cave with great violence, 
the youths rolled some stones before the opening to form a 
partial screen, for the caves were in the lower mountain, and 
faced the wind and storm. They procured a Eunall quantity 
of food for the boasts from the larger cave, and then the 
llama was milked, which made a pleasant addition to their 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


115 


slender provision. The water-cask was empty, but so long 
as they could make a fire, they were sure of a supply of 
melted snow ; and after all, as Jack said, this was a nice 
holiday for both bipeds and quadrupeds. 

But for three more days and nights the snow continued to 
fall without intermission-, and their spirits began to droop, for 
privations of every kind threatened them. They might, cer- 
tainly have killed the poor llamas ; but besides the impolicy of 
destroying their faithful servants, and the cruelty of the deed, 
they would have reaped little benefit by it, the creatures 
having become mere skeletons from their insuflBcient food. 

“ I don’t think there would be so very much harm,” said 
Matilda, “ in our having a good stew made of the young llama. 
It is of no use, and it certainly consumes a great deal of the 
mother’s milk.” 

And who has so much right to the milk, Matilda ?” de- 
maded Jack. “ Not you or I ; though we may like it very 
well. Then, as for eating the pretty, gentle, playful young 
llama, I shudder to think of it. I shall expect next, that you 
will wish to make a stew of me ; a proceeding I shall by no 
means consent to, though you are the manager of the house- 
keeping.” 

“ But, my good friend. Jack,” observed Lewis, “remem- 
ber the heavy responsibility of a housekeeper, who is expect- 
ed to provide and has not the means. Do not be severe on 
Matilda, who is only thoughtful and careful for the future, 
and looks round her with a prudent calculation.” 

“ But Matilda should remember,” said Mr. Merton, “ the 
beautiful lessons we read this morning, ‘ Behold the fowls 
of the air ; they sow not,''^either do they reap or gather 
into barns : yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them.’ This 
was not written to encourage neglect and idleness, but to 
repress covetousness, and too much care for the events of 
the morrow, which God holds in his Almighty hand.” 

Matilda had always a defender in Dr. Lewis, who appre- 
ciated her energy and usefulness, and who sought, with a 
friendly hand to correct her foibles of presumption and 
self-conceit. 

On the fourth morning the sky was clear, the wind had sub- 
sided, and the snow ceased to fall. They removed the stones 
from the opening, and looked out with astonishment and dis- 


116 


ADVENTITHES ANT) WANDErTNCS OF 


may on the wonderful scene of the mighty mountains, covered, 
as far as the eye could extend, with one shroud of fiozen and 
untrodden snow. They remained some time contemplating 
this dreary waste in silence. Then Mary said, “ Cousin 
Charles, we shall be quite famished, if some hero does not 
venture out to hunt for us. We saw the guanacoes in a high- 
er region than this, and I think such bold hunters as you 
all are ought to find them here. Who will volunteer for a 
foray 

Charles was usually very obliging to his favorite friend, 
Mary, but he now looked dismally on the bleak prospect, 
shrugged his shoulders, and drew his cloak ronnd him, with- 
out reply ; but Jack, in a moment, slung a pair of bolas round 
his neck, and, with a long lance in one hand, and a lasso in 
the other, was ready to lead the way. Mrs. Merton was in 
great alarm at the project, but Dr. Lewis said — 

“ Have no fear*, Mr«.. Merton, it wiU warm us all to have 
a run over the snow, which appears to be quite hard ; 1 will 
lead the expedition, and will take care no one is impru- 
dent. Arm yourselves, then, and follow me, gallant gen- 
tlemen !” 

Jack shouted for joy, and, with Almagro, followed Lewis. 
Tom was less prompt ; he began an argument to prove that 
the guanacoes would certainly descend to the uncovered plains, 
rather than remain on the snow, where they would be fam- 
ished ; but the bold hunters set out without him, and Charles, 
now tharoughly roused to the chase, said, “ Well, Tom, we 
cannot escape the thing — we are in for a run, so we must try 
and intercept a herd on its downward journey.” 

After they had p. oceeded a few hundred yards. Dr. Lewis 
observed tbat the snow had become softer, as the valley was 
more open in this part, and the sun was now shining forth. 
He recommended them therefore to -try the ground before 
them with a lance, and to proceed slowly. They had reached 
a jetting cliff, which projected considerably forward, when 
Jack, always eager, bounded before his prudent leader, and 
passed round the angle of the rock. They heard him give a 
low whistle, from which they concluded he had found game, 
and following him round the cliff, they saw with great satis- 
faction a herd of guanacoes, about thirty yards before them, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. lit 

pushing their noses into the snow, and struggling to obtain 
the scanty vegetation buried beneath. 

Tom was beginning to explain the cause of this remarkable 
refutation of his theory, but Dr. Lewis, in a whisper, com- 
manded silence and caution. Caution was a word never un- 
derstood by Jack the rash, who was already whirling the bo- 
las over his head, and springing forward, he disappeared from 
their sight in a moment beneath the snow. 

The shock to the assembled friends, who fully expected he 
had gone over some tremendous precipice and was lost, can- 
not be described. For a moxnent they were mute and paral- 
yzed : then the prudent leader, (drawing Charles back, who 
was preparing to follow his friend, probed the ground, and 
found they were all within a yard of the edge of the descent. 
He called out loudly — a moment of silent anguish succeeded 
— then then saw the point of Jack’s lance appear above the 
snow, about hve yards from the spot where they were standing. 
This was a pleasant sight — they were sure he was living— 
but they were not suie he might not perish before they could 
find the means to extricate him. Dr. Lewis called out to 
Jack to widen the hole through which he had passed, by care- 
fully moving his lance round, while they made ready to as- 
sist him. They lashed the two remaining lances togethejr, to 
form a strong pole, and then fixed to the end a long and strong 
lasso, brought out by Almagro, for the purpose of drawing 
home the game they might kill. They passed the lances over 
the snow till the lasso fell through the opening, then Dr. 
Lewis called out to Jack to secure the noose firmly round his 
waist, and to endeavor to ascend the snow, while they would 
assist him by drawing the lasso. 

They could not hear his reply, but they perceived by the 
agitration of the pole he was complying with their advice- 
Then they drew the lances gently forward till they felt a re- 
sistance, when it was necessary to manage with caution, fori 
required great strength and a firm grasp to prevent the lances 
from slipping from their hands. By slow degrees they se- 
cured a hold of the lasso, which they grasped firmly, leaving 
the boy to make exertion for himself. At length his dark 
head and pale face were just seen above the surface of the 
snow, and a shout of joy burst from their lips ; at that mo- 
ment a violent jerk caused the lasso to slide through the hand^ 


118 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


of Charles and Tom, who were foremost in the line, and the 
dear head disappeared again. A cry of grief followed, but 
Lewis and Almagro, who were behind, and still had a firm 
hold, encouraged them to resume their attempts, and to draw 
the lasso gently and firmly. In a short time the head once 
more appeared, and Lewis directed the boy to lie down on 
his back, and suffer himself to be drawn through the yielding 
snow. This was a slow and difficult process, and poor Jack 
was nearly suffocated in his perilous transit 5 but he was at 
length landed safely out of danger, pale and exhausted, with 
aching arms and a sprained ankle. 

For some time he was unable to speak, and they stood 
round him, watching him with great anxiety, and grieved that 
they had no restorative to give him. At length, with a kind 
of sob he spoke — 

“ All right ! Now be off after the guanacoes, and leave me 
here.” 

It certainly was a great temptation, for the guanacoes, ap- 
parently unconscious that their enemies were at hand, were 
continuing their unprofitable employment, burrowing under 
the snow for the poor herbage. The hunters could not see 
them so near without making some effort to secure them, des- 
titute as they were of provision. Almagro, accustomed to 
hunting even over the snow, had been sounding the ground 
from the cliff, and came to report that the chasm into which 
Jack had fallen did not extend more than ten yards below 
the spot, where there was a safe pass forward. 

Encouraged by this good news, they set out leaving Jack 
seated on the snow. Bolas and lassoes were made ready, and 
they succeeded in approaching to within ten yards of the ani- 
mals, unnoticed. ^J'hen a sort of suspicious movement was 
observed among the herd, when the hunters immediately 
sprung forward, and bolas and lassoes were flung with all the 
siiill they could command. Great was the confusion, and 
loud ♦be neighing cries. The animals d^i&hed off in different 
d'rections at first, and Tom was overthrown by a large ani- 
mal, and dragged for several yards by his own lasso, which he 
had cast round the neck of the animal, and continued to grasp 
firmly. Almagro, who had captured a noble animal with his 
bolas and despatched him, saw Tom’s situation, and ran to 
his assistance, piercing the gnanaco w-ith his lance. Lewis 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


119 


was unsuccessful, and the bolas of Charles, to his great morti- 
fication, were carried off by a guanaco in its triumphant re- 
treat. 

However, they had much reason to be satisfied with the 
success of the hunting, for it was no easy task to drag the 
two heavy animals over the softened snow to the place where 
J ack was waiting them. They found him in high spirits, not- 
withstanding the pain in his ankle, for he had also a prize to 
display. As he was sitting still and silent on the snow, a 
hare had ventured so near to him that, by the aid of a spare set 
of bolas which lay near, he had entrapped and secured it. 

They were now furnished with an abundant provision ; but, 
as the labor of drawing the guanacoes to the cave would have 
been exhausting in their weakened condition, Almagro set 
out, and soon returned with the mule and some strong hide 
ropes, by means of which they harnessed the animal, which 
drew their spoil, and at the same time carried on its back the 
disabled Jack. 

When the triumphant procession reached the mouth of the 
cave, past hardships and present perils were alike forgotten in 
the joy of success. The girls cried out with delight, and 
Nanny held up her hands with astonishment at the sight of 
such unusual abundance. Mr, and Mrs. Merton alone were 
calm, but they were not the less truly thankful. 

“ I think. Master Jack,” said Nanny, with some indigna- 
tion, “ that this poor dumb creature had work enough to 
pull such a load without having you perched a-top of his 
back.” 

« That’s quite true, Nanny,” answered Jack, “ and I could 
not have had the heart to do it, but I have had a roll 
in the snow ; and shall have to trouble you to bathe my 
swelled ankle, and then you shall hear the adventure of Jack 
the guanaco*killer.” 

Nanny was always kind and willing in a case of distress. 
She soon had Jack placed on a matress. His ankle was ex- 
amined, and, under the direction of Dr. Lewis, bathed and 
band«^d ; then he began his story. 

“ Truly, it’s very little indeed that you girls know of the 
dangers of a hunter’s life. When I sprung after the guana - 
coec, aod plumped down over the precipice, feeling myself 
sink through the snow, I certa’nly did think I should see you 


120 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

no more, and I began to say my prayers. I stopped, at last, 
on some hard snow, which 1 dare say, has lain there for many 
a winter ; but, except that I had a peep of the blue sky 
through the tunnel 1 had made, I was pretty nearly buried 
alive ; and had no hopes of ever getting out, it was such a 
long way to the top. Still, as soon as 1 felt my feet on firm 
ground, I could not help trying to climb, but 1 slipped down 
directly, and the snow came tumbling after me, filling my 
eyes and ears till I was blind and deaf; nor did I like to try 
any more, for fear I should bury myself completely. I at^ 
tempted to call out, but I dare say nobody could hear me, 
for my voice sounded, to my own ears, as if I was speaking 
through a quill. 

‘‘ At last I thought of raising up over my head my long 
lance, which I luckily held in my hand when I went down. 
Then I heard dear Dr. Lewis calling to me, and I began to think 
things were not so bad. I knew now what they were about, 
so I began to make ready for another attempt. I planted 
my lance firmly in the ground, took out my knife and dug 
some holes in the side for my feet as high up as I could reach, 
for near the bottom the snow was tolerably hard. But I 
laughed for joy when I saw the good stout lasso come dang- 
ling down, and very soon I had my head and arms through 
the noose. 

“ I now grasped the lance to support me, and got up capi- 
tally for some feet ; but when the snow got softer I had great 
difficulty in climbing, and felt glad of the support of the las- 
so. Besides, when 1 had nearly reached the top of my lance, 
I had to tug it out, for I was determined not to leave it be- 
hind me in that doleful pit. I got it out, and pushing it up- 
wards, I used the lower end to plunge in the snow at the 
side, and that steadied me a little. 

“ How my heart beat when I got my head above the snow ; 
but in my joy I forgot my prudence, and made a jump , the 
soft snow gave way, and I should have gone to fhe bottom 
again but for the lasso, by which I hung suspended, like the 
sign of the Golden Fleece, at Winston. A desperate tug 
the good folks at the side must have had. Luckily I got my 
feet resxcd again before the lances could break, or before 1 
was qmte pinched in two, and, with a little more scrambling, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 121 

reached the opening, from whence I was drawn like a log of 
wood by my good friends to terra jirma.^^ 

“ You were always a miraculous boy, Master Jack,” said 
Nanny ; and see now what trouble you’ve brought on us 
all with your unthinking ways. Another time you’ll maybe 
look before you jump.” 

Jack laughed, as he promised obedience to Nanny’s wise 
counsel ; and she spared him further reproaches as she looked 
at the hare he had brought, of which she was now making a 
stew. Jack claimed the skin of the animal, that he might, 
under the direction of Almagro, solace his confinement by at- 
tempting to make boots for his sisters, similar to the comfort- 
able pair Almagro had made for Mrs. Merton. 


a 

CHAPTER XI. 


Preparation of Charqui. Almagro’s Plan of Descent rejected. An 
Unpleasant Nocturnal Visit. The Sledge Expedition. The Lower 
Valleys of the Andes. The Pino de la Tierra. The discontent of 
Charles Villars. 

All were now busily engaged. The wool waS shorn from 
the guanacoes and placed in a bag. Then the animals were 
skinned, and the hides spread out oa the snow to be cleansed, 
after which they began a large preparation of came secco, the 
useful charqui. Pieces of flesh were cut in long slips, about four 
inches broad, and one-third of an inch thick. 8ome of these 
slips were suspended outside the cave, to be dried by the sun 
and air ; others were hung in the smoke of th.) fire. The meat 
thus dried will keep good for a long time ; it is generally pre- 
pared for cooking by beating it between two stones to make 
It tender, and then stewed. 

The fat of the animals was melted, and stored in bsgs of 
hide ; and Mr. Merton proposed that if they should be provi- 
dentially released from their confinement before they had 
needed to encroach on this useful provision, they should 
leave at least some portion of this store in the cave, for the 
benefit of other unfortunate travellers. 


122 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


But days passed, aud there still seemed no hope of their 
proceeding on their jouiney. The snow, partially softened 
by the noonday sun, was again hardened by the night frosts, 
and rendered more si ppery and dangerous. 

After drying part of the guanaco flesh, they had lived on 
the remainder, and still had a good portion buried in the 
snow before the cave to keep it fresh j but they had been un- 
able to procure more, for the early snow had driven all the 
animals to the lower valleys. The monotony of their cavern 
life was depressing. At first Jack had amused himself by 
making two very neat pairs of boots for his sisters, instructed 
by Almagro. They were made of the skin of the hare, the 
fur inwards, soled with the hide of the guanaco, and sewed 
with threads made of the same material. Then all the shoes 
and boots were mended with patches of hide, and no more 
work remained to be done. 

Almagro frequently went out. He had climbed to the 
summit of the mountain in which the caves were hollowed, 
and he assured them that from thence there was a gradual 
sloping descent, smoothly covered with snow, which led to a 
level valley two or three hundred yards below ; and this 
descent, he pronounced, might be safely and rapidly accom- 
plished on a sledge, which he would make of the skin of a 
guanaco. This plan was at once rejected by the timid Mr. 
Merton, and Mrs. Merton shuddered at the very idea of 
.such a startling scheme. 

But Almagro was pertinacious ; he prevailed on Dr. Lewis 
and (jhai-les to ascend the mountain with him, early in the 
morning, before the sun had softened the snow. He pointed 
out to them the green plain below, and declared his intention 
of making the experiment of the descent himself, if they 
would await his return. He spread the skin of one of the 
guanacoes, which he had brought with him, on the snow, with 
the wool uppermost, and seated himself upon it, holding his 
knife in one hand, and his lance in the other. With these 
weapons to plunge into the snow, and to guide and check his 
descent, he set out, gliding down the steep. 

The descent was gradual, and he proceeded on without ac- 
ciuent, and reached the bottom, from whence he waved a 
signal of his safety. They waited long for his return, which 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


123 


was necessarily slow and tedious. In the first place, he re- 
mained a quarter of an hour below inspecting the locality ; 
then, fastening the sledge to his back, he began his ascent, 
cutting steps in the snow with his knife, and resting on his 
lance. He reached his friends at last, very much exhausted 
with his toil ; and it was sometime before he was able to speak, 
and to assure them that the next ascent would be compara- 
tively easy, for his steps formed a perfect ladder. 

He described the valley below to be almost entirely free 
from snow, with tolerably good pasture, and some scattered 
low bushes and trees ; there were two algaroba trees especial- 
ly, in a sheltered nook, convenient for a frame for their tent, 
as there were no caves in the valley. He had also seen 
hares, and heard parrots ; and he entreated Dr. Lewis to join 
him in endeavoring to persuade Mr. Merton to consent to the 
plan of the sledge. 

Lewis had little hope of their inducing Mr. Merton to un- 
dertake such a wild adventure j but he endeavored to convince 
him, on their return, that the project was safe and prudent ; 
and, from Almagro’s description of the lower valley, the 
change would be most desirable ; but the parents were inflexi- 
ble — the risk was too fearful. 

Almagro was much dissatisfied, and lay awake for some 
hours planning the construction of a sledge which might have 
a more secure appearance to the eyes of the timid. In the 
midst of his reflections, he was disturbed by a great noise 
among the animals in the adjoining cave, accompanied by a 
deep growling which he knew did not proceed from the beasts. 
He was much alarmed, but remembered with thankfulness 
that he had, the evening before, rolled stones before the en- 
trance to both caves, that the animals, as well as themselves, 
might be protected from nocturnal assailants. He trusted 
this precaution might be etfec’ual, for he felt certain some 
beast, more dangerous than any they had yet met with, was 
prowling near. 

Rising from his bed, he looked through the spaces between 
the stones which guarded the opening, and saw with much 
vexation a large puma, digging in the snow, beneath which 
the guanaco flesh was buried, and turning away from time to 
time to growl at the entrance of the cave, where the animals- 
roused and terrified by the neighborhood of their powerful 


124 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

enemy, were expressing their alarm by loud neighing and 
bleating. The puma was too dangerous a visitor to be allowed 
to escape, and Almagro was determined to take the most 
ready way to despatch him. IJe therefore, pointing his rifle 
through the crevices at the entrance, by the clear light of 
the moon, took a careful aim, and shot the animal dead on 
the spot. 

Koused by the report of the rifle, the alarmed family were 
soon assembled ; aud it was with some difficulty Almagro 
satisfied the females that they were not besieged by the In- 
dians. After hearing the real story, they could take no 
more rest that night ; and when the morning light showed 
them the large fiei ce looking creatui e extended dead at their 
very door, they trembled at the danger to which they had 
unconsciously beon exposed. 

“ Your alarm is greater than the danger demands,” said 
Dr. Lewis, “ for the puma rarely attacks mankind. His 
favorite prey is the horse 5 and our faithful Niger would pro- 
bably ha'e fallen a victim last night, if Almagro’s prudence 
had not saved him. This seems a fine specimen, Tom ; and 
vou must preserve his skin.” 

I have measured him,” said Tom, with the proper gravity 
of a man of science, “ and I find he rather exceeds the com- 
mon dimensions of the puma, being five feet six inches from 
the tip of his nose to the root of his tail, and three feet high 
to the shoulder. Felis concolor, the puma, or the American 
lion, as it has been called, from its resemblance to the lion, 
is yet, you observe, without the mane which distinguishes 
that noble animal. Its prey is the guanaco or the horse, 
especially the w’ild horse of the Pampas ; its habit is to 
crouch and glide silently along the ground, usually beneath 
the shelter of bushes, till it is near enough to its victim ; 
then, springing on the shoulder, it draws back the head with 
one of its paws, and dislocates the neck.” 

“ After it is gorged with food,” observed Almagro, “ I have 
frequently watched it cover the remains of the carcase with 
bushes, and crouch down to watch it. The condors would 
then descend in great force, and dispute the prize fiercely 
with the destroyer, often driving him from the field.” 

“ And now, my dear Mrs- Merton,” said Lewis, ‘‘ to escape 
this puma- haunted valley, you must suffer us to trans- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


125 


port yon a stage lower. This snow may possibly indicate the 
commencement of an early winter, and longer delay may ren- 
der onr removal more difficult. I propose that to-day we 
should make another experiment with the sledge. Tom and 
1 will, with your sanction, accompany Almagro 5 and if we 
bring you a favorable report, I trust you will not hesitate to 
commit yourself to the guidance of our experience.” 

The fear of the pumas induced Mr. and Mrs. Merton to 
yield a reluctant consent to this trial ; and the skin sledge, 
with some improvements, was again launched. The adventu- 
rers bound themselves to each other with thongs. Lewis and 
Almagro sat one on each side with a knife to plunge into the 
snow, to arrest their speed if necessary, and Tom seated be- 
tween them held a long lance, with which he proposed to steer. 
The expedition was most satisfactory ; they descended with 
ease, were pleased with the valley, and returned one after 
the other by means of Almagro’s steps, with less fatigue than 
they expected. 

It was finally agreed they should all descend early the 
next morning ; and though some little doubts arose about the 
management of the beasts, yet all the young were sanguine. 
The day was happily spent in packing and preparation ; and 
the next morning, as soon as day appeared, the animals were 
laden and everything conveyed to the summit of the moun- 
tain, with the exception of the small remainder of the fuel 
and provender, and a bag of charqui and fat, which Mr. Mer- 
ton begged might be hidden under the fuel, for the benefit of 
succeeding travellers. 

They first allowed the baggage, tied together by ropes, to 
slice down the slope ; then Jack, still rather lame, took his 
place between the two experienced travellers, Almagro and 
Lewis. He carried in his arms the young llama, a scheme of 
his own, which was perfectly successful ; for the distressed mo- 
ther, after walking to and fro for a few minutes, made up her 
mind and set out in a winding direction after her young one, 
followed by the other llama, to the admiration of Nanny, who 
declared Master Jack was always kn umpossihle boy for con- 
trivances. The llamas reached the valley safely ; and after 
the mother had satisfied herself that her offspring was unin- 
iarad they began to browse with good appetite on the her- 
Dago now quite uncovered. 


126 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Lewis and Jack set to work directly to raise the tent and 
arrange the packages, while Aimagro, after collecting a bun- 
dle of grass, ascended with the sledge. Charles and he 
placed the sisters between them this time, and Aimagro, after 
allowing the famished mule and horse to smell the grass, 
fastened it behind the sledge. The poor animals looked wist- 
fully at the banquet gliding away from them ; at length the 
mule took courage, and carefully sounding the snow with his 
fore-feet, proceeded downwards, followed by the obedient 
horse. The mule accomplished his journey slowly but suc- 
cessfully; but Niger, unaccustomed to the snow, after several 
slips and stumbles, finally rolled down to the bottom. He ap- 
peared somewhat stunned and bruised, but, in a few minutes, 
rising and shaking the snow from his rough coat, he joined 
his companion, and they began to crop the grass they had 
so long been deprived of. 

Finally the most difficult part of the undertaking was com- 
pleted, and Mr. Merton and his timid wife, with the scolding 
and struggling Nanny, were happily rescued from their dreary 
abode among the snows. 

The temperature of this lower region was much warmer 
than the climate above, and revived the spirits and hopes of 
the wanderers. They found scattered twigs and dry grass 
for their fire, and under the shelter of the tent refreshed them- 
selves after the fatigues of the morning. As the poor ani-^ 
mals needed recruiting after their long abstinence, it was 
agreed that they should travel no farther that day, which 
was spent in exploring the broad valley, and in cltmbing to the 
next ridge, from whence, though many basin-like valleys in- 
tervened, they obtained a view of the vast brown Pampas, 
which from that height appeared to be a wide ocean of plain, 
unmarked by any variation, except some threads of silver 
glittering in the sun, which Aimagro told them were the rivers 
from the mountains. 

Aimagro’ s experienced eye had discovered a mule- track 
from the Valley, and setting out early next morning, they made 
a long day, and reached a region of low trees and long rushy 
grass. Once more they heard the chattering of hundreds o. 
parrots, and having become skillful in the use of the bolas, 
they caught as many birds as they wanttd ; glad to taste 


/ 

TilE -MERTON FAMILY. 127 

something rather more delicate than charqui. They now en- 
tftied a gorge, shut in on each side by mountains ; their path 
wound along the side of the rock, while below them rolled a 
mountain torrent, foaming over masses of rock which had 
fallen from the heights above. They were glad to lose sight 
of this tremendous torrent, though they long continued to 
hear its roaring. 

Two days more they wound among the ergoked paths of the 
mountain and at length reached a broad and fertile valley in 
the lowest range of the Andes. Before them for many miles 
was extended on all sides, a wide plain, bounded by the low- 
^t chain of the mountains. The valley was covered with long 
grass, and scattered over with low trees and shrubs, not en- 
tangled, as on the west side of the Cordilleras, but growing 
in the beautiful order of nature ; a miniature forest, through 
which you might pass without difficulty, yet enjoy its shelter 
and shade. But an air of lonely gloom reigned over the val- 
ley ; all was solitude disturbed only by the sotlnd of a rushing 
mountain stream, the discordant chattering of the parrot, or 
the sudden bound of the hare, or the agouti, with its long 
hind legs, alarmed in their undisputed domain by the un- 
wonted presence of man. 

There was a feeling of repose experienced by all the party 
beneath the rude tent stretched among the trees of that quiet 
valley , and the succeeding morning saw Lewis and Almagro 
early in serious council. 

“ What are we now to do, Almagro?” asked Lewis. “For my 
own part, to acknowledge the truth, I am so completely weary 
of this blind wandering ; and I perceive that the whole party 
are so unequal to further efforts, that if you believe we are 
still far distant from civilized habitations, I would use every 
persuasion to induce Mr. Merton to settle on this quiet spot, 
at least, for the approaching winter. 

“ I have often crossed the Cordilleras at this place, replied 
Almagro : “ I have descended to the Pampas, and ranged, 
even beyond the misty mountains you see at the east. I have 
chased the wild cattle and the swift ostrich for leagues over the 
plain ; but near this spot I have never seen the hut of man, 
nor the trace of his presence The way we have come has 
only been tracked by the Indians of the far south, — a cruel 


128 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

and savage race, who triumph in dying their spears with the 
blood of the Christians. We must avoid their path, which, 
till now we have trodden wit'h impunity, and therefore you 
must urge our friends to extend this tedious journey still for 
some leagues to the north.” 

Lewis saw the prudence of the plan, and he proposed im- 
mediately to Mr. Merton, that after one day’s further jour- 
neying to the north they should select a convenient locality 
and build a hut, where they might rest and recruit their 
strength in a pleasant and healthy climate. 

‘‘ But, surely. Dr. Lewis,” as^ked Mrs. Merton, “ you do 
not suppose that we can spend our lives in this lonely desert, 
for ever in dread of attacks from wild beast and savage 
men V' 

“We will defy them all,” said Jack. “ Now just listen, 
mamma. We will fortify our castle in such a way, that neither 
savage nor wild beast can enter it. Then we have arms ; 
Charles is a capital soldier, he shall drill us, and see if we 
do not turn out a formidable force against any invaders. 

“ But how can we build a house .^” asked Mary. “ W e have 
neither carpenters nor masons; we have neither bricks, nor 
beams nor glass for windows.” 

“ Mary,” interrupted her sister, “ you are speaking of 
things you do not understand. A hut in this valley must be, 
according to my notion, a mere log-house, such as we read 
are built by the North American settlers in the far- west.” 

“ No doubt such should be the plan,” said Tom, looking 
round at the scattered trees, “ but ^see no timber here suita- 
ble for our purpose. The gigantic beech and pine of North 
America are used for those logs. Here is the algaroba, re- 
sembling a stunted oak, which even if sound, would furnish 
very poor logs. Here is also a kind of espino, too slender 
for our use. How valuable to us would be the noble Arau- 
canian pine, which we saw on the west side of the Andes, 
and which I fear is not to be met with here.” 

“ My young friends,” said Almagro, “ you must abandon 
these plans, and content yourselves with the Gaucho hut of the 
Pampas ; the walls of wicker work, made of the pliant reeds 
which we shall meet with near the streams, and plastered 
with mud without and within. Trust to me to build a hut 


TTfE MERTON FAMILY. 


120 


when we find a pleasant site, and when the good father shall 
agree to remain content under the humble roof.” 

As they moved gently along the level valley towards the 
north, they all endeavored to prevail on Mrs. Merton to give 
up the idea of roaming still farther : and Lewis declared they 
should have to traverse the dreary Pampas for hundreds of 
leagues, before they reached the dwellings of men, an un- 
dertaking quite impossible in their weary and destitute con- 
dition. 

Not only must we cross the pathless desert,” said Alma- 
gro, “ but wide and rapid rivers lie in our way, dangerous, if 
not impossible for strangers to ford. With strong horses we 
might have a chance of crossing, but our worn-out animals 
could never safely do it.” 

“ Nor would mamma ever consent to such an experiment,” 
said Matilda. “ But why should we not make a canoe ? I 
have a perfect idea of how the thing should be done, and 
could sketch a plan for it.” 

“ My dear child,” said Mr. Merton, “your presumption 
gives me pain. You are totally ignorant of boat-building, 
and of mechanics in general. Be content to excel in femi- 
' nine occupations, and leave your brothers to build houses and 
canoes.” 

“ But I should really like to see Matilda’s model of a per- 
fect canoe,” said Jack, laughing. 

Matilda wa^ silenced and mortified, but Lewis said her 
speculations were not to be despised, though she was apt to 
hurry too boldly to a conclusion. “We will consider the 
subject at our leisure,” continued he ; “ for we are now ap- 
proaching a beautiful wood, and I propose that we enter it, 
and select a spot for our night’s lodging. Who knows but 
this very wood may afford a pleasant site for our winter 
abode 

Mrs, Merton sighed at the allusion ; but the wood was in- 
viting ; even Nanny declared that a house built among such 
bright green trees would look more like home than the jails 
they had been shut up in so long, and, influenced by Nanny’s 
decision, her mistress resigned herself to her fate. 

The wood crossed the valley, and extended up the moun- 
tains on each side. From the summit of the lower steep it 
9 


130 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

continued in a gentle slope to the wide Pampas below. The 
tall trees aftorded shelter from the noon-day sun and the 
night breeze, and the notes of thousands of birds promised a 
security from famine. They slept peacefully, and the boys, 
animated by the novel sight of abundant vegetation, rose 
early to explore the wood, and returned in high spirits to 
breakfast, loaded with gigantic pine cones. 

“ My dear Lewis,” cried Tom, “ I have found the tree that 
will be useful to us for all purposes ; and, though I have yet 
met with but one specimen, doubtless many exist higher up 
the mountaim Sec, this is the ffuit, and here is the curiout 
leaf of the Araucaria imbricata, a majestic tree of the Fii 
tribe, though, perhaps, this one is not so lofty and noble in ap- 
pearance as the trees we noticed beyond the Andes. I re- 
cognized it immediately by the stiff, broad leaf, the branches 
growing in a circular form round the stem, and the long, 
leafy appendage which terminates the cone. This cone con- 
tains seeds, which, I suspect, we shall find to be excelkn- 
food.” 

“ At this season the seeds are in perfection,” said Almagro. 
“ In Auracania the tree is named pino de la Herr a. The 
' '^.oneSi or seeds of the cone, are roasted, or boiled, or 
b \ L formed into a paste, flavored with fruit, and baked 
in cakes.” 

The experiment was immediately made. t)ne of the cones 
was opened. It contained nearly two hundred seeds, some of 
which were extracted and roasted ; and after their long con- 
finement to animal food, the delicate fruit, which tasted much 
like chestnuts, was highly enjoyed, and Tom received due 
praise for his sagacious discovery. 

“ This is not a mere luxury, but a valuable accessory to 
our stores,” observed Dr. Lewis. “ The charqui, and even 
the hare soups, will be more palatable and wholesome with 
this vegetable addition. I propose that we set out on a 
foraging expedition, to collect all the cones we can find 
fallen. They are best eaten fresh, but by preparing them 
into a paste, which can be preserved, we shall be enabled to 
augment our winter stores.” 

Charles was quite ready to join the party in what bore 
some resemblance to a sporting expedition ; though he was 
greatly discontented with the plan of a hut in this solitary 
spot. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


131 


‘‘ You talk of stores, Lewis, as if we were not locomotive 
creatures,” said he. “ Now you may do as you will; but it 
cannot be supposed that I, with a noble fortune and a luxuri- 
ous home awaiting me at Valparaiso, should be content to 
stay here, compelled to knock down a wild bull if I want a 
beef steak for my breakfast, and to chop sticks before I can 
have a fire to cook it. I cannot even have a cigar here, which 
I reckon to be one of the necessaries of life ; and I posi- 
tively have to shave without soap, and to be thankful, even, 
when I can get water for the purpose ! Build your hut, by 
all means, and remain here, if you can be satisfied to live on 
guanico flesh and dropped acorns or fir-apples, whichever 
they may be. But I decidedly intend to proceed northward 
till I reach, as I certainly must do, the haunts of men.” 

“ But, my dear Charles, you would perish in the wilds if 
you travelled alone,” said Mrs. Merton. 

“ Nay, dear aunt, have no fears about me,” answered 
Charles. “ If I have my good rifle, and Almagro for my ser- 
vant, I can rough it for a week or two.” 

“And leave us without guide or adviser,” cried Jack; 
“ taking away our best head and hand. I say, Charley, that 
is cool. And perhaps you would like the mule for yourself, 
and Niger for your servant, wouldn’t you, now ?” 

It is probable that some vague plan of this sort had really 
crossed the mind of Charles ; but when Jack spoke of it, and 
he began to consider the selfishness of the act, he blushed, 
and was silent. 

“ Indeed, cousin Charles,” said Mary, “ if you desert us 
now, after all our wanderings together, you are disgraced for 
ever, — a recreant knight! Even I, your best friend and 
patroness, shall cast you off, and say, ‘ Never more be officer 
of mine.’ ” 

“ I really should be very sorry to leave you all, my dear 
cousins,” answered he ruefully ; “ but this sort of existence 
is fearfully dull and fatiguing ; and if Mr. Merton proposes to 
sit down here for life, it is but a chill prospect for us, who 
are young, to grow grey in the wilderness, — ‘ the world for- 
getting, by the world forgot,’ — with no society but the par- 
rots. And when our clothes decay, as they must do,” — and 
Charles looked down with a sigh at his dilapidated raiment, — 
“I shudder to think that, instead of going to my tailor and 


132 RJSS AND WANDERINGS OF 

ordering a coat of the latest fashion, I must shoot a guanaco 
or a wild bull, and roll myself up in its skin, in any fashion ' 
Eheu ! eheu ! the glory of Charles Villars is departed !” 

“ Go to the woods now, my children,” said Mr. Merton. 
“ We will not remain here without discussion and deliberation ; 
and if it be considered expedient, we will agree to your plan, 
and move forward, my dear boy.” 

“ I believe, uncle, I am a thankless varlet,” said the peni- 
tent youth ; “ but I hope this sweet morning air will soothe 
my rebellious fancies.” 

“ And to convince you, Charley, that the wood has better 
fruit than fir-apples, as you call them, see what a feast I 
bring you,” said Mary, producing a basket of strawberries, 
which, even at that advanced season, she had found in a shel- 
tered nook, near the encampment. 

They feasted on the strawberries ; and Matilda remarked 
that with such an immense quantity of fruit at their command, 
it would be prudent to make a stock of jam. 

“ And where will you buy your sugar ?” asked Nanny, to 
the great diversion of the young party, and the annoyance ot 
Matilda, who did not like to be convicted of a blunder. 

Why should we not find the sugar-cane demanded she 
stoutly. “ Columbus found it wild in several parts of Ame- 
rica.” 

“ You labor under an error,” said Tom, “ in supposing 
that we should find this valuable plant growing naturally so 
far south of the equator. The cultivation of the Saccharum 
officinarumy from which the sugar is produced, extends to 
some distance beyond the tropics. It is even cultivated in 
Spain and Sicily, 35'^ to 40® north latitude ; but no one ac- 
quainted with the geography of plants would expect to find 
the sugar-cane wild on the Pampas.” 

“ Well, never mind,” said Jack, “ it all comes to this : we 
have no sugar, but we have lots of strawberries, so let us en- 
joy them.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


133 


CHAPTER XIL 


The W ood and the River. The Ruined Hut. The Strange Bird. 

The Spanish Girl. Maria’s Story. Scenes in a Guacho Hut. The 

Indian Attack. Maria’s Escape and Rescue from Death. 

Armed with bolas, lances, and rifles, the gentlemen set out 
to explore the wood. Attracted by the murmuring of water, 
they penetrated through a grove of thick trees, following the 
sound, and at some distance from the encampment reached the 
margin of a clear narrow river, pleasantly shaded by willows, 
and flowing from the mountains. They walked up the banks 
of the stream, which they considered would be a guide to lead 
them back from their wanderings in the trackless wood. The 
road was easy, pleasant, and scattered with bright flowers ; 
the air was fresh and pure, and the chattering of the parrots, 
and murmuring song of the humming-bird, enlivened the soli- 
tude. They found the wild potato, and several other plants, 
which were collected to be examined at leisure in hopes that 
some might be useful. At length they emerged into an open 
glade of some extent, and a joyful exclamation from Jack di- 
rected their attention to the branches of the tree beneath which 
they were passing, and which were weighed down with ripe 
peaches. 

“ The hand of man has planted this tree,” said Almagro. 
“ Let us proceed with caution, my friends. We must be near 
the habitations of men, but we know not whether they contain 
friends or enemies.” 

They went on in silence and anxiety, passing under several 
peach trees, all laden with fruit ; then they reached a plot of 
ripe maize. They stopped, and looked round, with much agi- 
tation. Here were traces of the industry of man ; but still 
all continued silent and still : where were the hands that had 
sowed the maize and planted the fruit-trees 7 

Beyond the high stalks of the maize lay some scattered 
poles and sticks : Almagro bent over them and carefully ex- 
amined them. “ On this spot,” said he, “ has been the cor- 
ral ; it has been plundered and laid waste. But let us go on, 
the work of destruction would not end here.” 


134 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OS' 


Passing through another grove of peach- hey sud- 
denly came on the charred and desolate ruiniS of a at. The 
roof was entirely gone, and in the back wj'Jl ■:’.ere was a 
large aperture ; the remainder, built firmly of bougas plastered 
with mud, remained entire. The door lay torn ofiP, and half- 
burnt, and they entered, with dejected hearts. It waa a 
melancholy spectacle : nothing remained to mark that it had 
been the dwelling of man, except some rude seats, formed of 
the skeleton of the horse’s head. 

“ Here have plunder and murder done their work,” said 
Almagro, at length, in deep emotion. “ See ! the everlasting 
stain of blood remains on the mud floor, the record of a savage 
massacre. Let us leave this spot my good friends, which re- 
calls painfully to my mind the never-to-be-forgotten horrors 
of my early days.” 

“ But are we safe now asked Tom ; « is there not some 
danger of the return of these barbarians 

“We need have no fear now,” replied Almagro ; “ these 
crafty destroyers return no more to the spot they have made 
desolate. They roam in search of new plunder, and of more 
Christian blood.” 

They left the melancholy scene, and continued, keeping the 
river in view, to ascend the woody steep beyond the hut, to 
search for more pinones ; but they did not succeed in finding 
another pine-tree. They captured a hare and some parrots, 
and then began to consult on the expediency of cutting a por- 
tion of the ripe maize, which must waste in the desert if not 
appropriated. They had decided that their necessity gave 
them a right to the food, when Jack, who had been rambling, 
for he could not bear discussions, returned to petition for the 
loan of a rifle. 

“ For what purpose?” Dr. Lewis inquired j for he consi- 
dered himself responsible for the safety of his young friends, 
and he had some fears of the rash intrepidity of Jack. 

“ I have got a glimpse of a glorious bird,” said he, “ but it 
flits away at the motion of a leaf, and I shall have no chance 
of securing it with the bolas. From its brilliant scarlet plu- 
mage, I conceive it must be a lory ; we saw some of these 
splendid-looking birds in the Zoological Gardens, Tom.” 

“We did,” said Tom ; “ and I am able to tell you that the 
lory is an inhabitant of India, one of the most beautiful of the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


135 


Psittacidce, and an extremely delicate creature ; nothing 
can be more absurd than to fancy the lory living in the 
forests of the Andes,” 

“ Your eye has deceived you, Jack,” said Dr. Lewis, 
good-naturedly. “Besides, my good fellow, we have 
already killed more parrots than is consistent with human- 
ity ; therefore we ought to spare this unknown bird, for 
we have no means of preserving it as a specimen. There 
is another consideration — if the report of the rifle is heard 
at the encampment, it will greatly alarm our friends there. 
We will stealup to the place, to endeavor to see this strange 
creature alive, but we will not wantonly destroy it.’-’ 

Jack looked disappointed, but yielded to the counsel of 
Lewis, and they proceeded cautiously through the forest 
towards the spot where Jack had observed the scarlet 
wonder. They looked round for some time in vain, and 
were about to return, when Charles made a signal for 
silence, and raising his rifle, pointed it towards a low tree, 
through the thick dark foliage of which they now saw the 
fluttering of some scarlet object. 

“Stay!” cried Almagro, loudly, dashing down the 
rifle, and springing towards the tree. They gazed after 
him with great astonishment ; he plunged into the wood, 
and after an absence of a few minutes returned, carrying 
in his arms the insensible form of a young girl, clothed 
in scarlet poncho. 

“ See, young man,” said he to Charles, “you might, in 
carelessness, have slain this child. Even the sight of me 
has almost killed her. What a scene of misery is this ! 
Bring some water, my friends, to pour over her.” 

The boys brought water in their hands and poured it 
over her. At length, she opened her dark eyes, and look- 
ing round in a distracted manner, burst into tears. 

“ This girl is, like myself, a Guacho, of Spanish origin,” 
said Almagro, looking attentively at her beautiful features, 
darkened by the sun and exposure to the air. Then ad- 
dressing her, he said, “Do not fear us, unfortunate child, 
we will protect you ; we are not Indians, we are friends 
and Christians.” 

“ I, too, am a Christian,” said the girl, in the Spanish 
tongue. “Oh, spare me! do not give me up to the 
wicked Indians!” 


136 


adventures and wanderings of 


Surely you i/ave some friends, my poor child,’’ said 
Lewis, addrestii:.' her in her own language. “ Where is 
your home 

« Here, in the r. ; est,'’ replied she ; I live with my mur- 
dered father and brother — they are lying behind the bush 
which I call my liome.” 

Very much distressed by her words, Almagro and Jack 
went to the spot s>he indicated, aiad there, beneath the tree, 
piled over with brushwood, they fbuad the decaying bodies of 
two men, who had apparently been murdered by Indian 
lances. InexY>ressibly shocked at the sight, they returned ; 
and Almagpc asked the girl how the bodies were removed 
from the scene of slaughter, which he concluded was the 
ruined hut they had seen below- 

“I brought them here,” replied the girl. “I took the 
bough of a tree which had been torn down by the Indians, 
on this I placed the dead body of luj father, and drew it 
with toil and pain to this place ; I taen returned and brought 
in the same way the body of my brother. I chose a spot be- 
neath the thick tree, where. I could hide my treasures, and 
watch them night and day. Then I collected branches to 
cover and protect them from the attacks of the frightful con- 
dors, which were continually hovering over us. I have spent 
many days here ; but two days ago, I fell from the tree into 
whieh I had climbed for safety, for I had heard a rustling in 
the wood. I hurt my foot very much, and could no longer 
go to the cave for food, nor to the stream for water, ani I 
lay down beside those I loved, that I might die near them.” 

“ But you shall not die, poor girl,” cried Jack, in his im- 
perfect Spanish ; ‘‘ you shall come and live with mamma siud 
my sisters. My father shall supply the place of him yon 
have lost. I will be your brother ; and Dr. Lewis will cure 
your fcot.” 

The girl gazed wildly on Jack, scarcely comprehending 
his meaning, and looked back uneasily, as if she wished to 
return to her hiding-place. 

‘‘ You must remain no longer near the decaying bodies of 
the dead,” said Dr. Lewis. « Grod has recalled "their souls, 
and we will remove the bodies and bury them near the spot 
which they inhabited when living. If you will come with us, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


ISt 

you will learn to be good, and G-od will then permit you to 
join your friends again in a better world.” 

The child wept ; but, faint with pain and hunger, she did 
not reply. They carried her to the hut, and plucked some 
ripe peaches for her, which she ate eagerly, and then asked 
for some maize. Jack ran immediately for some stalks of the 
maize which was growing near ; she took them from him with 
pleasure, but, said, smiling, “ There is still much maize in 
the cave.” They did not understand her meaning ; but, 
after eating some grains moistened with water, she revived a 
little, and begged them to carry her, through the opening at 
the back of the hut, into the wood. They bore her, as she 
directed them, some yards, ascending among the trees, which 
here grew closely together, until they reached a clump of 
thick shrubs, which grew against the face of a steep rock. 

Put me down on the ground here,” said she. “ T can 
show the young boy the entrance to the cave, though I can- 
not now creep to it as I used to do.” 

They seated her before the thicket, and she lifted the 
trailing branches, and pointed oul- to Jack, beneath them, a 
narrow tracked path, telling him he must crawl along this 
track, close to the earth, till he reached a dark stone, Ijring 
against the rock, which he must remove, when he would see 
a small opening, the entrance of the cave. Jack, delighted 
with the adventure, followed her directions, and entered a 
wide cave, in which he saw, by the dim light through loop- 
holes half darkened by bushes, several bags of gnanacvj-skln j 
one, which was open, contained maize, and this he concluded 
had been the food of the young Spaniard during her residence 
in the wood. He brought away a handful of the grain, to 
prove that he had fulfilled his task, and left the cave ; re- 
placing the stone, and making his way out with some 
curiosity to have the mystery of the subterranean storehouse 
solved. 

But the poor girl seemed now so exhausted, that Dr. 
Lewis determined they would return immediately to the tent, 
that proper restoratives might be administered to her, and 
her injured foot attended to. Almagro and he undertook to 
carry the stranger, Charles was charged with the guns and 
lances, and Tom and Jack, loaded with as many peaches as 


138 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


they could carry, went forward to relate the adventures of 
the morning. 

« Here, mamma,” said Tom, throwing some peaches into 
her lap, “ I think you will now agree this will be an excellent 
place for us to settle at ; besides this fruit, we have found 
abundance of maize.” 

And something better than either peaches or maize,” 
cried Jack ; “ we have brought you a pretty little daughter I 
I know you will take her to live with us, mamma; for 
she has lost her own mother, and her poor father has been 
murdered.” 

‘‘ What strange story is this ?” said Mrs. Merton, in great 
alarm. “ Who has been murdered ? and who is the child you 
are speaking of ?” 

‘‘ You need have no alarm, mamma,” answered he, ‘‘ for 
Almagro assures us the Indians never return a second time 
to a place they have left waste ; so we are quite safe here, 
and the little girl will tell you how she escaped when she 
comes, and as soon as she learns to speak English to you, 
mamma.” 

Mrs. Merton had obtained but a vague and unsatisfactory 
notion of the adventure, when the rest of the party returned. 
Her sympathies were immediately awakened at the sight of 
the suffering little stranger, who was laid on a mattress, and 
had her swollen and dislocated ankle carefully attended to 
by Hr. Lewis. She endured all the pain attendant on 
the operation with patience and resignation ; Lewis then ad- 
ministered a composing medicine, and they had soon the 
pleasure of seeing their new guest in a profound sleep. 

“ Your practice seems to prosper, even in this wilderness. 
Hr. Lewis,” said Matilda. “ I wonder how many more 
patients we shall discover for you. And now pray what are 
we to do with this lame girl, when we resume our wander- 
ings ; for papa and mamma must certainly have the horse and 
mule ?” 

“ I propose,” said Jack, ‘‘ that we should build a sort of 
carriage or sledge, for the feeble or weary ; I have no doubt 
the llamas might be trained to draw such a vehicle ; though 
certainly not over such roads as we have lately passed.” 

« When we actually descend to the level Pampas,” said 
Tom, “ such a carriage might he convenient ; but I could not 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


131 . 


possibly make one. Jack may have some knowledge of 
coach- building ; but I decline the undertaking.” 

“Well,” replied Jack, rather mortified, ‘ I meant only a 
sort of sledge, made of interwoven reeds, upon which we 
could place the mattress and cloaks to form seats for mam- 
ma and the girls, and harness the llamas to it by twisted 
ropes of hide.” 

“ The scheme is by no means to be despised,” said Lewis ; 
“ we must not laugh at Jack, for it frequently happens that 
valuable hints may be obtained from rash speculations. When 
we have leisure, we will certainly try to atteoipt some useful 
invention of this sort. But the adventure of this morning in- 
duces me to propose that we should at once select this lo- 
cality for our winter residence. The unriTofed hut might soon 
be repaired and rendered habitable ; nay, with a little inge- 
nuity and labor, even comfortable. It is pleasantly situated, 
and desirably secluded. We should have pure waier, and a 
plentiful supply of maize and fruit ; and in all probability the 
fish in the river would be as abundant as the game in the 
woods. What do you say to this plan, dear Mr. Merton 

“I understand little about these matters, my kind and 
good friend,” replied Mr. Merton, “ You have led us safely 
through exceeding perils, and, under Heaven, I leave the dis- 
posal of myself and my family in your hands ; secure that you 
will arrange all with a prudence and sagacity that I do not 
possess. My sole desire now is for a little repose, and leisure 
to study. I long to unpack my books, and am truly glad 
that in our wanderings, I have been able to preserve the 
dear old friends it would have been so painful to me to 
lose.” 

“ And to which we shall now probably add more,” said 
Tom, “ for I have a charming book in my head, to be called, 

‘ Our Travels.’ ” 

“ Enriched with the scientific discoveries of Mr. Thomas 
Merton, and the wonderful and perilous adventures of Mr. 
John Merton,” added Jack. 

“ But, do you really intend, Dr. Lewis,” inquired Mrs. 
Merton, that we should remain on a spot infested by those 
barbarous savages? I should never sleep in peace from the 
dread of being aroused by the frightful cries described by 
Almagro.” 


40 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Lewis repeated to lier tne assurance of the great improba- 
bility of the Indians revisiting a scene of murder, robbery, 
and ruin, when wide and unexplored tracts of the Pampas 
were open to them. He declared his belief that no spot they 
could select could be so safe from molestation. Mrs. Merton 
trembled as she thought on the dangers that surrounded her ; 
and it required many persuasions to compose her troubled 
mind, and to induce her to yield a reluctant assent to the plan 
of location for the winter. 

In the mean time dinner had been made ready, and the 
young stranger awoke from her sleep. She ate some roast 
parrot, and then, as she looked round on the party with 
pleased astonishment. Dr. Lewis told her, that hencefor- 
ward she was to become one of the happy family that sur- 
rounded her. 

The remainder of the day was spent in discussing and ar- 
ranging their future plans ; and next morning the little Ma- 
ria, as she told them she was called, related her short tale of 
r orrow : — 

“ It is now two years since I lost my beloved mother. It 
was she who snoke to me of God, and made me repeat prayers 
to him. She taught me to weave the wool of the llama and 
the long hail of the guanaco \ to dye the cloth with berries 
and roots, and to form it into summer and winter garments. 
She was gentle and loving, but she was not strong as I was ; 
she could not roam in the woods, but would sit under the 
shade of the peach-trees, and sing sweet songs of the far-off 
country of her people, while my father played on the guitar. 
Bright and pleasant were the days of my childhood. 1 knew 
not the meaning of sorrow. My two manly brothers hunted 
the puma and the wild cattle, and sometimes they killed an 
ostrich > and brought the plumes to me to deck my hair. Our 
garden produced vegetables in the summer, and we reaped 
the maize to store for our winter food. On a very few occa- 
sions, my father and one of my brothers went to some far- dis- 
tant station, carrying skins and the plumes of the ostrich. 
After many days, they would return with their lading changed 
for powder and shot, knives and spades, with some gay-col- 
ored handkerchiefs for my mother and me j but we never saw 
a stranger. 


141 


;'r\'TON FAMILY. 

“ A day can o vhen my father and my brother Fernando 
returned from the hunt without Gonzalo. They had encoun- 
tered some travellers on the Pampas, and my eldest brother, 
a bold an:’, f^^jhletic 3'outh, had undertaken to guide these 
strangers aoross the Cordilleras. It was not the temptation 
of the handsome reward they offered, but the love of adven- 
ture, ard the desire of seeing more of mankind, that induced 
my brother to forsake his home. My mother was ill-satisfied 
wiih this event ; she wished that her children should ever re- 
main around her ; moreover, the autumn was advanced, and 
she dreaded the dangers of the mountain journey. My father 
and brother laughed at her fears ; but they were just. We 
never saw Gonzalo more. 

“ When weeks and months passed, and he returned not, my 
father and Fernando set out to the Pass ; the fallen snow ob- 
structed their progress, but at length, lying over the brink of 
the precipice, they found the skeleton of the mule ; they re- 
cognised the saddle-cloth, which was the skin of the puma, 
fringed by my mother’s hand ; and they concluded that the 
mule had fallen on the frozen path, and precipitated my un- 
fortunate brother into the frightful abyss, now half-filled with 
snow : from the position of the mule, this must have happened 
when he was returning alone, and could hope for no aid. 
They returned home sorrowfully to communicate the melan- 
choly news. 

“ My mother’s grief was deep and fatal. She spoke not of 
her bereavement ; she wept not ; but, day after day, pale and 
broken-hearted, she sat gazing on the snow-crested mountains 
in silent despair. My father assured her, that when the warm 
suns of spring should have melted the snows, my brother and 
he would return to search the deep valleys for the body. She 
shook her head, for she well knew that spring would not re- 
turn for her. Before the stream was swollen by the snows of 
the mountain, she had gone to join the lost one, in that bright 
heaven of which she loved to speak to me, and to teach me to 
seek. 

“ When the spring came, my father’s sorrows overpowered 
him ; it was not till the end of summer that he recovered suf- 
ficiently to send Fernando to search the valley for his bro- 
ther’s corpse. He could not leave me alone in the hut, but 
he commanded by brother strictly to abide by tl>e d;r<?ctiQf.s 


142 


ADVENTURES AND WAKDERINOS OF 


he gave him ; and cautioned him especially to avoid returning 
by an Indian pass, many leagues to the lest he should 

encounter any of the barbarians. My brother was young and 
thoughtless ; after searching the abyss below the precipice, 
he continued the search from valley to valley, forgetting my 
father’s prohibition, till he reached a path far sou-h of our 
abode, by which he descended to the pampas. On reaching 
the open plain, he saw, with some alarm, a party of mounted 
Indians, who were, howJ^^er, at a considerable distance. In- 
stead of withdrawing to the shelter of the woods, he trus.<ed 
to the speed of his horse, and fled at full speed, along the plain. 
He reached the hut in safety, and told his tale to my fa- 
ther ; acknowledging also, that the Indians might have seen 
him. 

“ My father was disturbed; he made a secret entrance at the 
back of the hut, through which he conveyed all our valuable 
stores for concealment to the cave which he had some time be- 
fore discovered by accident. He then proposed that we should 
abandon the hut, and for the remainder of the summer live in 
the woods. But he was weakened by affliction, and was not 
sufficiently prompt in action ; and on the eve of our intended 
departure, as we lay sleeping, we were roused by a wild and 
cavage yell. Then we knew that our situation was hope- 
less, for the merciless Indians were at our door. My father 
gazed on me a moment, then removing the stone at the back 
of the hut he folded me in his poncho, and ordered me to 
creep beneath the bushes to the cave ; telling me they would 
follow as soon as they had secured their guns and bolas ; but 
1 had not reached my hiding-place before I heard shrieks and 
groans, and saw, through the bushes above me, that the roof 
of the hut was blazing. I feared that murder was doing, and 
unable to endure the horrors of anxiety, I lost my senses. 
How long 1 lay in this state I know not ; but when I revived, 
1 still heard the discordant shouts of the destroyers, and, im- 
pelled by the horror of a fearful death, or a still more fearful 
slavery, I made an effort to force my way, unperceived, to my 
hid ng-place, through the low brushwood. I reached the cave 
and entered it, half-dead with terror, and sat listening with a 
throbbing heart for the approach of those I loved ; but alas . 
they came not ; I heard nothing but the lowing of the cattle, 
the i: g ';f the horf'-:-', v- ■* the ferocious yells of triumph. 


THE J’^^F.r.TON FAMir.y. 


143 


which proclaimed that the spsiiers bad succeeded in their 
bloody work. 

“ At length the cries Vgaa to recede, and I concluded 
they must b^e moving off. An hour of intense anxiety suc- 
ceeded, and then I ventured to luck C'-i, and, by the gray 
light of early morning, looked on the ruined and still 
smouldering hut. I trembled with a sensation of strange and 
uncertain misery ; I did not dare to think that I was left 
alone in the world ; but it was long before I could summon 
courage to ascertain the extent of my misfortune. Then I ven- 
tured to approach my home ; — all was still ; the horses and 
cattle had been driven off by the robbers. The door of the 
hut was torn down, and, with a desperate effort, I entered, 
and sank down in long insensibility beside the mangled bodies 
of my father and my brother. 

“ God called me once more to life ; I believed that it was 
his will that I should still live, and I therefore submitted. 
But I could not remain in the hut ; I therefore determined 
t-' wander about the woods during the day, and sleep in the 
ca ve, if the nights were cold, till God thought fit lo summon 
me from my dreary life. 

“ But I could not leave the bodies of my beloved friends 
in that dismal hut ; I could not dig into the ground to bury 
them ; but I thought if I could carry them to the woods, I 
might sepulchre them in boughs and stones. I moved them 
with difficulty, as I told you, my kind friends ; and it was 
with much labor I tore dowm the boughs, and collected the 
scattered branches to cover them. I had no want of food ; 
there was maize in the cave, and the trees, which the Indians 
had not noticed in the darkness, supplied me with peaches. 
But when I hurt my foot, and could no longer procure food 
or water, I resigned myself, believing it to be God’s will that 
I should die of famine in the wood. I am brought from pain 
and death to a beautiful new life. I shall be glad to live 

\v, if God permits me ; for you all look so happy, that life 
11, ;.<t surely have many joys that I have nev';r kiif^v-:;.” 

“ Tell the child,” said Mrs. Merton, “ that I be l or 
mother, and I hope soon to see her look as happy as <jwn 
children.” 

Youth soon forgets its sorrows ; and before twenty-four 
>jurs we-'e past, Maria was smiling witl; her new fiiends, and 


144 


ADVENTURES AND WAN;jEAINaS OP 


endeavoring to learn English. Dressed in some of Mary’s 
clothes, with her long dark tresses fomcifully arranged by the 
sisters, the young girl had a nobU and picturesque appear- 
ance that quite charmed her friends. She was, according to 
her own account, about fourteen years old, but looked younger 
than Mary, who had not yet reached that age, and to whom 
the little foreigner had attached herself peculiarly, captivated 
by her warm and ardent manner. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

The Faoiily take possession of the ruined Hut. The Fortification. 

The Maize Harvest. The Wild Cow captured and tamed. The 

Capsicum. Spinning and Weaving. Walks in the Wood. The 

Cactus. The Hedge of Defence. The Alerse Pine. 

In the mean time the whole family had been to inspect the 
hut, and notwithstanding the fearful adventure connected 
with i.t, even Mrs. Merton seemed pleased at the first sigh; 
with the peaceful seclusion of the situation, and the air of 
abundance produced by the appearance of the ripe maize and 
the laden peach-trees. She certainly shuddered as she looked 
into the hut, but the bold workmen promised not only to 
fortify it securely, but to change its present desolation into 
convenience and comfort. She agreed to wait for the com- 
pletion of their promise ; and that no time might be lost, the 
tent was brought, and spread under the peach-trees ; all the 
property transferred to the same place, and then they began 
to work in earnest. 

Their first task was to cut down trees, and Almagro shook 
bis head as he saw the light axes which formed part of Tom’s 
carpenters’s chest. He had one strong axe which he had 
brought from his own hut, but the work could not be rapidly 
done one hand. As soon as Maria understood their dis- 
tress. directed them to the cave for implements of work. 
They were glad to find there some excellent axes and spades ; 
and all hands working vigorously, they were able to bring 


THE MEllTON FAMILY. 


14& 


to tkc hut, in the evening, a large stock of palisades ready 
for use. 

Next morning they began to dig a deep trench, surround- 
ing the hut and an area of about an acre, which was to form 
their garden and pleasure-ground. The corral was destined 
to be beyond the inclosure, as they could not include it with- 
out more labor than they had time, at present, to bestow. 
When the trench was ready, they placed their palisades as 
close as possible in it, and formed a stockade six feet high, 
the palisades being pointed sharply at the upper end. This 
defence cost all the able hands three hard days of labor ; but 
when it was completed, Mrs. Merton declared she should now 
sleep in peace, especially as the narrow entrance was pro- 
tected by a huge stone, which they rolled down with great 
difficulty from the rocks above, and placed before the opening 
while they slept, till they could make a door strong enough 
for security. Almagro undertook to new roof the hut, and 
to thatch it with slender dry branches and maize-leaves ; 
over which he pegged down hides of oxen, of which many 
were stored in the cave. Thus the roof was not only water- 
proof, but they trusted even fire-proof, should it ever again 
be exposed to that terrible ordeal. 

Their next task was to partition the spacious hut with 
slender interlaced branches, forming two small dormitories, 
one each side, and reserving a large space in the middle for 
the common sitting-room, of which the floor was partly 
covered with skins. Nanny emphatically declared she now 
felt like herself, with a roof over her head ] and she forgot all 
her ill humor in the pleasure of unpacking boxes, which they 
had never before had opportunity to open. 

And now they had time to gather in the maize crop, which 
was done by plucking the ripe ears ; in which light labor old 
and young merrily joined. These ears were accumulated in 
heaps, to be further dried by the sun. Then the large grains 
were forced from the pod by scraping the edge of a knife 
along it ; and these grains were placed in such casks and bags 
as they could command, and deposited in the cave for safety. 
Under the direction of Almagro, the boys dug some holes 
within the inclosure, and lined them with dry maize- leaves , 
in these holes the remainder of the grain was stored, and 
they were then carefully covered with earth to exclude the 
10 


146 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

air. The pods were stacked behind the hut to serve for fuel, 
and the leaves and stalks, after being left a little longer on 
the ground to be perfectly dried, were cut down, as well as 
the knives and spades permitted them to accomplish the 
tedious work, and were then stacked for the animals. This 
food, Lewis said, was wholesome and fattening for cattle, 
from the saccharine quality of the plant. 

After the harvest they had each a little bed of fresh maize 
straw, covered with a skin and the blanket each had secured. 
Nanny declared, she did not see why her mistress should not 
have a four-post bed, as if she was in a Christian country ; 
but more important occupations prevented the realization of 
this ambitious plan, and Mrs. Merton’s mattress was, for the 
present, placed on a frame, made by planting four short poles 
in the earth, and stretching a skin firmly over them. 

Some small openings were made in the mud walls, to admit 
light and air ; the young people called them windows, but 
instead of glass, they were latticed with thin willow wands ; 
and they proposed in the winter, if the hunters supplied 
means, to make curtains of skin for them. 

The animals, which had fattened with ease and good pas- 
turage, now demanded their attention, and a corral, or 
strong inclosure, adjoining the palisades, was soon formed to 
contain them, from the scattered palisades torn down by the 
Indians. 

In the midst of these occupations the young men occasion- 
ally went to the woods with their bolas, and brought home 
parrots, or sometimes a hare ; but the heavy labor being now 
accomplished, they set out one day early, to cross the hills, 
and have a ramble on the Pampas ; Almagro accompanying 
them on his mule. They were fortunate enough to see im- 
mediately a herd of wild cattle. They had never yet tried 
their weapons on such large animals, and Almagro ordered 
them to be very cautious and regular in their approach. But, 
by good luck, a young cow had wandered to some distance 
from the rest of the herd, and Almagro immediately galloped 
forward, and flung his bolas so dexterously round the fore- 
legs of the animal, that it fell on the spot. 

“ Stop, Almagro,” cried Jack, as the Guacho was about to 
despatch it with his knife, « we do not want meat just now, 


THE MERTON FAMILY, 


147 


an-i if -we could get it home, and tame it, Nanny would be so 
delighted to have a real cow !” 

This was a very tempting plan, hut not easy to accomplish. 
They succeeded in tying its legs in such a manner that it 
could not run from them ; but the cow was absolutely deter- 
mined not to move at all with its legs tied, and all attempts 
to drive it forward were found fruitless. At length a strong 
lasso was fixed round its neck, and, partly by main force, and 
partly by goading it, it was brought by slow degrees, and 
with violent resistance, to the wood near the inclosure, and 
there tied to a tree in such a manner that it could not reach 
the grass to feed. 

However charmed Matilda and Mary were to possess a 
cow, they were much distressed that such painful means 
should be necessary to subdue it ; and but for the extreme 
fear they had of its large horns, they would have ventured 
to give it a handful of maize-leaves. After being tied up for 
twenty-four hours, its lowing was so piteous that Mary could 
resist it no longer, but approaching it cautiously, she held 
out the straw at the end of a long forked stick. The animal 
greedily devoured the food, and then stretched out its neck 
to her for more. She took courage, and ventured to stroke 
its huge thick neck, and to offer the straw from her own 
hand, and water from a wooden bowl. The cow soon knew 
Mary, and lowed at her approach ; and Almagro’s manage ' 
ment rendered it so quiet, that in a few days it was allowed 
to graze, though still secured to the tree. A week after, the 
animal produced a calf, which soon became a great pet with 
the girls, and the mother, being gratified, as Mary said, with 
their kindness to her offspring, finally submitted to be milked, 
and Nanny triumphantly established a dairy in the cave. 

And now the tent being finally struck, the family took 
possession of their new abode ; which the chill night air from 
the mountains rendered a very desirable measure. Maria 
W2J3 perfectly recovered, and able to enter into their pursuits, 
and plans were talked of for regular daily employment. 

« Permit me, papa,” said Matilda, “ to lay down the rules, 
so that the most profitable use may be made of every 
moment of time. I believe I have a talent for managing 
time well.” 


148 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“And remember,’* added Jack, “you must all submit to 
the laws of Queen Matilda, on pain of the knout. The idle 
and disobedient, after a public reprimand, to receive a certain 
number of lashes, proportioned to their offence ; to be inflicted 
by Nanny, as public executioner.” 

“ Well, Jack,” said Matilda, “ at least give us your plan, 
before you ridicule mine.” 

“ My dear children,” said Mrs. Merton, “ we will listen to 
all your suggestions, because we love you to acquire habits 
of reflection } and it is even probable some of your measures 
may be more practicable than my own, for my feeble health 
has subdued my energy ; but your father and I alone must 
be rulers, supported by our prime minister and excellent 
counsellor. Dr. Lewis.” 

Lewis rejoiced to see Mrs. Merton had recovered some 
activity of mind, and the rules and laws of the little com- 
munity were arranged and cheerfully submitted to, even by 
the abashed Matilda. Every one was expected to rise early, 
and assemble in the common room, where Mr. Merton per- 
formed the sacred service of the morning. The girls then 
assisted Nanny in milking, and other household duties, and 
in making ready the breakfast of maize boiled in milk ; the 
young men, in the mean time, fed the animals in the corral 
with fresh grass, cut or plucked on the plain. After break- 
fast, an hour or two was devoted to study ; then the hunters 
departed for the woods, the plains, or the river, on which 
they had constructed weirs, and, at this season, were enabl'd 
to take abundance of excellent fish. In the woods Tom 
frequently forgot the game in his eagerness to discover new 
plants, and it was with great pleasure he pointed out to 
Lewis one day, a low, dark-green, weedy-looking shrub, 
covered with capsicums. 

“ It is the Capsicum frutescensy the Chili pepper,” said 
he, “ one of the most pungent and wholesome of the pepper 
tribe.” 

They filled a bag with the capsicums for Nanny, who wr.s 
glad to have some seasoning for her stews ; for though a 
small store of salt had been found in the cave, even that was 
nearly exhausted, and to eat meat without salt was an 
unpleasant prospect. When Maria saw the capsicums, 
she took Tom to a spot in the devastated garden where this 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


U9 


plant had been cultivated ; and he saw that the shrub^ though 
broken, would revive in the spring, when they should have 
the produce always at hand for use. 

“ I don’t know how it is,” said Jack, “ but I never make 
any botanical discoveries ; perhaps I have not patience to 
count the stamens or petals, or examine whether the leaves 
be serrated or lanceolate ; but I will tell you, Nanny, what 
I will do for you — I will make an oven for you.” 

“ And if you say that. Master Jack,” replied Nanny, “ I’ll 
trust you, you will do it ; you were always a boy of your 
word, and an oven is just the thing I want.” 

But Jack’s oven, like all important undertakings, was not 
to be completed in a day ; many things intervened to delay 
even the commencement, though Jack did not forget his 
promise. 

The morning, when the hunters were absent, was spent 
by the sisters in acquiring from Maria the art of spinning and 
weaving the fine hair of the llama, and the coarse wool of the 
guanaco. The former, indeed, needed no spinning ; it was 
merely drawn out, knotted together and wound round a 
wooden spindle ; but the wool was formed into a thread be- 
fore it was wound. In both cases, the process was tedious, 
and Matilda declared she would certainly have a wheel made, 
but the unpractised workmen rejected the order. The simple 
contrivance for the loom consisted of four short rods placed 
in the ground before the hut, about eighteen inches apart, 
and four long rods, running along the top, from one to ano- 
ther, and tied to them. This was the frame, and the threads 
were stretched from end to end, and knotted to the rods. 
Then the young weavers, kneeling down, passed the weft from 
one side to the other, astonished alike at the readiness with 
which they acquired the art, and at the wonderful production 
of the stuif woven by their own hands. Ev-'n Mr. Merton 
was sometimes weaned from his studies to observe the rapid 
progress of the industrious little hands. And after dinner, 
the boys brought their carpenter’s tools to the side of the 
loom, that they might converse with their sisters and ob- 
tain their sympathy in the many ineffectual attempts they 
made before they could produce anything tolerable, as a asat, 
or a table. 


lo-O ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

Towards evening the whole family went forth to ramble in 
the woods, to listen to the curious notes of birds yet strange 
to them, or to collect the last flowers of autumn. It was in 
these pleasant evenings that the good father loved to speak 
to his children of the charm and advantage of retirement from 
the evils of life. 

“ Here, my children,” said he, “ I should be contented to 
remain, and prepare my soul for eternity. Why should we 
ever stray beyond this wood ? Here Nature, with her beau- 
tiful and inimitable propri ty, prepares plenty for all seasons : 
the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, are alike boun- 
tifully fed by the hand of God. Here the sordid cares of la- 
bor and acquisition are suspended, and man has leisure for 
mental improvement unbroken by the weary duty of providing 
for the morrow. How soothing to the mind it is, in this 
blessed retreat, to contemplate the wonders of creation which 
surround us, and to devote ourselves to reading and medita- 
tion, undisturbed by vexations. Oh, my children ! God has 
led us to this peaceful harbor ; let us remain here ; let us en- 
joy this Garden of Eden, which shadows forth, in its peace 
and beauty, that better world which God has provided for 
them who love him.” 

“ But we must toil a little, before we make you quite com- 
fortable in your abode,” said Jack. “ And now, papa, con- 
fess, if we had not been with you, could you really have set 
about building yourself a hut ?” 

“ In truth, my son,” said the meek old man, “ I doubt it 
much. I have small skill in mechanical work's, and should pro- 
bably have contented myself with the retirement of a cave, or 
with the simple shelter of a sail spread over the lower branch- 
es of a tree, — albeit that might have proved an insufScient pro- 
tection against the attacks of the Feres of the forest. Yet, 
had your mother been my companion, I might have essayed 
to construct some fabric more suitable to her delicate health ] 
especially as she has a feminine repugnance to abide in a cave. 
Surely such an abode is gloomy ; yet we read that holy men 
of old dwelt in caves to extreme old age, unmolested, save by 
their own sinful thoughts.” 

I hope it is not sinful to think, papa,” said Matilda, 
'• that these devout men might have been less exposed to evil 


THE MEilTON FAMILY. 


151 


fancies if they had been employed in the useful lab'rs of the 
world.” 

“We will try, my dear Mr. Merton,” said Lewis, “if we 
can, by God’s help, successfully blend a life of employment 
with a faithful attention to our sacred duties.” 

“ You are ever right in julgment, my thoughtful friend,” 
replied Mr. Merton ; “ for I now remember that the holy 
apostle Paul recommends that all men should work. Here 
our sphere of action is circumscribed ; but it may please God 
to enlarge the boundaries of our utility. Waiting his time, 

I exhort you my children, to help one another, and to fulfil, 
as far as human frailty permits, your duty to God and to those 
around you.” 

“And, after all, papa,” said Jack, “I hope you will 
not forbid us occasionally descending tu the Pampas, to have 
a scamper about, and see how the world looks outside our 
Eden?” 

“ Do let Jack go, papa,” added Mary ; “ he is such a good 
boy, and he wishes so much to see ostriches and jaguars, and 
just to have a peep at the won lerful Indians ; and he will 
take his lasso, and catch some wild horses, and then we 
can all ride. Let them all go ; we are quite safe in our fairy 
bower.” 

“ Certainly they must not go, Mary,” answered her mam- • 
ma, “ if there is any possibility of enaountering the terrible 
Indians.” 

“ Not any probability, mamma,” said Tom. “ Besides, I 
have a plan to render our castle impregnable. Look here, 
Lewis, at this branch, which I deposited on this spot in the 
morning, when I returned from my climbing up the moun- 
tain. Is not this the cactus, described as so useful in form- 
ing the impenetrable hedge, that even the daring Indian 
shrinks from ?” 

“ I recognise it at once,” said Matilda, “ as one of the 
Cacti, which are remarkable for their rapid growth, and for 
the spines, which render them so formidable. We must have 
a hedge ; then dig a moat round our fort, and make a draw- 
bridge, which will complete our security.” 

“ What do you say, Matilda,” asked Jack, l^ghing, “ to 
our placing a row of cannon on our battlements V' 


152 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


“ In truth, my dear Matilda,” observed Lewis, “ you ought 
not to be oflfended with J ack’s jest • for we might as well plan 
towers and guns, as a moat and drawbridge ; we have not the 
means and appliances for such works. No : all thanks to 
Tom the thoughtful, the cactus hedge is the grand security 
for our peace ; and I propose that we, the men of sinews and 
muscles should se^ out to-morrow morning with spades and las- 
soes, to dig up and draw to our fort, all the young cacti we 
can find.” 

They went off accordingly next morning in high glee, but 
returned with cross looks ; for though they drew after them a 
great number of young trees, th ir hands and legs were bleed- 
ing from many wounds, received, as Jack said, in the battle 
with the Cacti. 

“We will, however, convert our enemy into a friend,” said 
Lewis, as he tore away the thorns from one of the leaves, and 
then bound it over the wounded hand of Charles, which cer- 
tainly was dreadfully lacerated, 

“ Henceforward I give up the warfare,” said Charles. 
“ Give me but a sword, and, like the Paladins of old, I will 
cut my way through the most formidable obstacles ; but it 
is too much to expect a warrior to bind his prisoners with 
thongs, and then submit to draw them behind him.” 

“ But I will not have you turn recreant,” said Mary. 
“ You must go out and conquer, that you my deserve the 
prize of a poncho I am weaving for you. In the mean time, 
receive these elegant gloves I have made, to replace those 
you sacrificed so soon after our landing.” 

The ingenious girls had been employed during the day in 
making a defence for the hands of the workmen, after a de- 
sign given them by Nanny. She had described to them the 
mittens, as they are provincially named, used by the hedgers 
in Westmoreland ; and these simple coverings they had formed 
very successfully from the skins of the hare and vicuna. They 
entirely covered the hand, having no division between the 
fingers *, the thumb alone having a distinct protection. They 
were all much pleased with the gloves, which were soon put into 
use, for, immediately after dinner, the work of planting began. 

Two of the party were employed in digging a trench out- 
side the stockade, into which the other two placed the young 
troBS, at a very short distance from each other, and then 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


153 


filled up the trench again. It was tedious work, and they 
did not complete many yards before they were quite ex- 
hausted ; but they were satisfied with their success, and 
ready to renew their labors next day. Yet it was not without 
some murmuring that day after day passed, and still the 
heavy task went on slowly j at length experiei.ee taught them 
to improve their mode of labor. They secured the young 
trees by a lasso before they were dug up, and then placed 
them upon a sort of sledge, made by Almagro of some hides 
found in the cave, sewed together with threads of the same 
material. To this rude vehicle the horse and mule were 
harnessed ; and the trees were drawn to the enclosure, to the 
gieat relief of the workmen, allowing them to take a hare 
or some parrots ’to supply the table. 

It was nearly three weeks before the great work was 
finished. The trees seemed all to take well, and the defence 
was already satisfactory ; for a double row of young trees 
completely encircled the enclosure and the corral, except a 
narrow opening for the entrance, which they planned to 
defend by as strong a door as their means permitted them to 
make. These trees were now about four feet in height ; 
but such is the rapidity of the growth of the cactus, that 
they hoped in time to see their hedge twelve or fourteen feet 
high. 

“ And DOW for our door,” said Jack. “ What do you say, 
Matilda? Shall we have a mahogany door, with a brass 
rapper ? or a heavy oaken portal with massy iron bars, like 
those in the mysterious castle of Udolpho?” 

“ I am perfectly aware. Jack,” replied his sister, that in 
this solitude we can neither obtain iron, oak, n it mahogany ; 
but we have that tall pine or cedar that Tom pointed out the 
other day, and which Almagro calls the Alerse^ and which 
he tells you is so easily parted into planks of any thickness. 
Why hot cut down that tree to form a strong, narrow door ?” 

‘‘ This time. Jack,” said Lewis 5 “ the 'i^tator Matilda is 
right. The Alerse is the very tree for our purpose, for with 
a single wedge we can split it into planks. W e have still a 
good stock of nails, so that we can make ow door doubly 
firm by nailing cross-pieces over it.” 

“ And cover it with hide, to render it fire-pi^bof,” aided 
Matilda. 


154 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


You are a skilful engineer,” said Lewis, ‘‘ and we will 
certoialy adopt your plan. Come, boys, to work ! Let us 
to the woods. I have seen beeches, but they would be too 
hard to split up for our door j and we must be careful to 
spare the valuable Pino de la, tierra; so we must try the 
Alerse pine, on the recommendation of Almagro.” 

The alerse was a noble tree, not less than ninety or one 
hundred feet high, and thirty feet in circumference. It 
was long before their efforts brought it to the ground. The 
short thick branches were then lopped off, and the trunk 
was hewed into logs, eight or nine feet long, for use. 
One of these logs was selected and split into thick planks by 
means of wedges, with less difficulty than they had anticipated. 
Those planks were conveyed to the enclosure, and the door, 
strengthened by cross-pieces, was truly a heavy portal. It 
was attached ly broad hinges of hide to strong posts, and 
secured by stout wooden bars ; and the young men bad 
reason to be proud of their great work. 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Another Expedition after the Wild Cattle. The Wild Horses of the 
Pampas, Viannand Pampero. The Cow, the Calf, and the Puma, 
The Successful Foray of the Young Hunters. The New Settle- 
ment named. Kitchen and Oven built. The Chase of the Ostrich, 
and Capture of another Young Colt. 

“And now, mamma,” said Jack, “ that we have placed 
you in an impregnable fortress, there can be no objection to 
our leaving Captain Matilda and Jiieutenant Maria in com- 
mand, and sallyirg forth ourselves, like good and worthy 
knights, in sear^ of adventures.” 

“ Or rather,” added Lewis, “ let us set out, as my dear 
countrymen were wont to do in olden times, over the borders, 
to make a fo’ xy on the stray cattle.” 

‘ I de sot object to the expedition,” said Tom ; “ but I 
o..jifess my principal motive will be to observe whether the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


155 


Pampas produce any plants or animals worthy of scie» no 
notice.” 

If you could meet with another cow,” said Nanny, “ we 
could do very well with her, for this young calf takes lots of 
milk ; and you know, Master Jack, honey , you all like milk ; 
and if you could pick up a few hens, honestly, it would serve 
to make things look like home.” 

Charles really liked the chase in a sportsman-like fashion ; 
he was willing to slay pumas, ostriches, or even wild Indians j 
but to hunt cows for Nanny’s dairy was a shock to his dig- 
nity ; and he sighed as he observed that life on the Pampas 
was very slow. But the good feelings of Charles were soon 
recalled ) and, after Mr. Merton’s gentle admonitions, and 
Mary’s persuasive entreaties that he would try to please poor 
Nanny, Charles was all kindness and generosity, and would 
have scoured the plains for a whole day after a solitary 
agouti, if he thought it would have gratified his dear aunt 
and cousins. 

“ Well, I certainly had no intention of becoming a herds- 
man, when I came out to South America,” said he ; “ but I 
presume I must accompany you on fhis gallant expedition. 
Pray, which of the animals am I to ride, the cow or the 
llama 

A few minutes elapsed before the question of Charles was 
answered, for every one was occupied with the unpleasant 
reflection of the inadequacy of the stud for a hunting-party ; 
then a hearty fit of laughter succeeded, and it was decided 
that Almagro and Dr. Lewis should have the horse and mule, 
and the rest of the hunters must necessarily be pedestrians. 
Well provided with lassoes and bolas, which they had now 
learned to manufacture for themselves, they set out, through 
the woods to the right of the enclosure, to ascend the hills 
and inspect the lower plains before they descended. They 
caught two vicunas in their progress, to their great satisfac- 
tion ; as they knew how much their sisters prized the fur of 
this pretty little creature. They reached the summit of the 
steep, and there, after Lewis had surveyed the plains with a 
telescope, he gave the word to descend. 

The descent was through a thick wood, which rather im- 
peded the progress of the horsemen ; and Jack first emerged 
on the wide grassy Pampas, which, though apparently un- 


156 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


tfoddoR by man, were certainly not solitary ; for lie was 
astonished to behold, within a few yards of him, an immense 
herd of horses, which, sheltered by the wood, had been 
unnoticed from above. Some were feeding quietly on the 
long grass ; others, the young and playful, were careering 
round at full gallop. A young foal passed so near to Jack, 
that he could not resist the temptation, but flung his bolas, 
which, winding round the hind legs of the animal, stopped its 
course, and, struggling violently, it fell. Jack called on 
Charles to assist him, the rest were already off after the 
horses. 

“ What a lucky fellow you are. Jack ! You will have a horse 
of your own!’’ cried Charles, who was nowall activity. He flung 
his poncho round the heads of the prostrate animal, which, being 
thus suddenly blinded, ceased to struggle, and began to trem- 
ble violeutly ; they then placed a halter round her neck, tied 
her legs loosely with a lasso, and disentangled her from the 
bolas. 

In the mean time Almagro had taken another young ani- 
mal, and, with the skill of experience, he immediately re- 
moved the bridle from the head of Niger, and forced the bit 
into the mouth of his captive ; then he leaped at once upon 
its back. The horse, in great astonishment and dismay, 
reared up, and endeavored in vain to shake off its unpleasant 
burthen, than it galloped wildly away, bending its head down, 
throwing up its hind legs, and endeavoring by any means to 
dislodge the bold and practised rider ; but without effect. 
Finally it became quite exhausted, and he had no difficulty in 
bi-inging it up to the rest of the party. The whole herd of 
horses had taken to flight ; and such is the attraction of so- 
ciety, that Lewis and 'Pom could scarcely restrain their quiet 
domestic animals from joining these wild, free denizens of the 
Pampas : and they had been compelled to convert a lasso into 
a reign to hold the excited Niger. ' 

Charles and Jack had made no attempts to tame their cap- 
tive, but had contented themselves with securing it by a 
strong laS'O, by ’vliich they were enabled to drag it unwil- 
lingly after them. They now determined to convey their 
troublesome prisoners home, before they proceeded on the cat- 
tl? chase; and after much resistance from the led foal, 
and some awkward prancing from Almagro’s horse, they 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


157 


brought them to the enclosure. Jack’s loud whistle soon 
brought his friends out, whose delight and astonishment broke 
out in cries of joy at the sight of this miraculous addition to 
their stud. 

“ I shall name my prize Vixen,” said Jack, ‘‘ for she is an 
unamiable specimen of the worst properties of her sex ; and 
if Charles and I had not been brave fellows, and rather afraid 
that you girls would laugh at us, we should have let her go 
long since, our arms ache so with dragging her. What is to 
be the name of your horse, Almagro 

“ You must ask my kind and noble friend and preserver, 
Dr. Lewis, to answer that question,” replied Almagro; “I 
am proud to have captured so fire a creature, that I may have 
the pleasure of presenting it to Lirn, when I have sufficiently 
subdued its fiery spirit.” 

Lewis received the gift from the grateful Guacho with a 
pleased satisfaction ; for he was truly attached to the faithful 
Almagro, and declared he should be very glad to mount the 
handsome horse, as soon as it was safe for him to do so, with- 
out risking his neck. 

“ I undertake to make you a saddle-cloth of skins,” said 
Matilda ; and you must call the creature Pampero.^^ 

“ A very appropriate name for such a wild fierce spirit,” 
answered Lewis ; ‘‘ and I yield this time to Matilda’s impe- 
rious ‘ You must,’ without a rebellious feeling.” 

Matilda blushed at the implied reproof : she was beginning 
to be awake to her prevailing foible , and made, occasion- 
ally, secret resolutions to endeavor to subdue her desire for 
rule. 

‘‘ My dear children,” said Mr. Merton, “ I behold with 
gratitude the comforts and even luxuries of life whkh your 
labors are collecting round us ; but it is beyond my compre- 
hension to discover the means by which you have ensnared 
and brought into captivity these fierce and savage quadru- 
peds, which appear to me to possess that untamable nature 
which man vainly labors to subdue.” 

“ Have no fears about breaking in the creatures,” said 
Jack ; “ we are a set of clever fellows ; and before long Vixen 
will be ready for you to mount ; and I hope yet to make her 
gentle enough for mamma to ride, then I shall change her 
name to Dewdrop.” 


158 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


« We must now convey these unruly creatures to the cor- 
ral,” said Lewis, “ and keep them without food for twenty- 
four hours, as a commencement of their subjection, but 
only strong will and perseverance can complete their edu- 
cation.” 

The young grooms, having fastened the heads of the prison- 
ers to a beach-tree in the corral, so that they were prevented 
from reaching the ground to feed, left them in this unpleasant 
confinement and returned to the Pampas to continue their 
day’s sport. It was not long before they found a herd of wild 
cattle feeding near the edge of the wood. Lewis and Alma* 
gro dashed forward towards the herd, the young men remain- 
ing concealed at the skirt of the wood, watching for a favor- 
blo moment to sally forth. 

The whole herd, alarmed t the attack, fled in various di- 
rections, tossing their formidable horns, and bellowing fu- 
riously. Tom did not like such opponents, and drew back 
under cover; but Jack, always fearless, sprung forward 
fbom the wood, as a cow passed, followed by a very young 
jcalf, and cast his bolas round the legs of the calf, which im- 
mediately fell, bleating piteously. The anxious mother 
stopped her flight at the sound, turned round, and made up 
fo her calf, regardless of the presence of Jack, except that 
she evinced certain hostile intentions by the angry toss of her 
horns. Tom had now recovered his courage, and flinging his 
bolas, prostrated the cow, which, however, made such vigorous 
attempts to escape that Charles came forward with his gun,, 
in case extreme measures were necessary to secure their 
safety. 

At that moment a monstrous puma sprung from the wood 
upon th^Struggling calf, seized its head with its large paws, 
and drawing it back, dislocated the neck ; then flinging its 
xictim over its back, it fled back to the woods with both calf 
and bolas, to the great vexation of Jack. But in this case, 
Charles did not hesitate : he pointed his gun and shot the 
puma through the head. It fell dead immediately, and two 
victinfts being thus disposed of, they turned their attention to 
the third, and with much difficulty placed a halter over the 
horns, and tied its legs loosely, so that it could not escape or 
do any mischief. In the mean time the two equestrians, 
alarmed by the report of the gun, rode up to them. They 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


159 


had lassoed a very large animal, but it was so powerful that 
they had been compelled to dispatch it, especially as they 
were in anxiety about their young friends. When they saw 
the puma, Lewis was quite satisfied that it was no wonton 
waste of ammunition to rid themselves of such a dangerous 
neighbor. 

It was now time to return home with the produce of their 
sport, but much difficulty arose in the disposal of it. Poor 
Niger was compelled to drag the slain bullock, an immense 
animal ; but they decided to carry away only the skin of the 
puma, leaving the carcase a pray to the condors. There was 
much trouble in inducing the refractory cow to move a 
single stop, the united strength of the three young men being 
insuififoi rnt to drag her on against her will ; and they were 
a*r^-:<l they should be compelled to kill her, but when the 
body of her calf was laid across the mule, she followed it vol- 
untarily, lowing continually, in a piteous manner. Thus 
Jack and Charles, guiding her by a lasso on each side, got 
the cow to the enclosure, Tom bringing up the prosession, car- 
rying the skin of the puma. Heavy laden, hungry, and weary, 
they reached home, very triumphant at the success of their 
hunting-day. 

“Here is your cow, Nannv,” cried Jack; “and a gentle 
creature you will find her ! .. oe has almost torn off* our arms 

with her struggles, but we know the means of taming her 
fury now. Into the corral, my good madam, and beware of 
corrupting our good Brindle with your wild vagaries.” 

No sooner was the new cow tied up, than she was joined 
by her domesticated predeoeseor, which testified a little in- 
hospitality at first towards her unfortunate sister, but they 
soon struck up a lasting friendship. 

The replenishment of the larder was very gratifying to 
the anxious housekeepers — the hunters were promised a 
dinner of roast veal next day : Nanny was complacent, and 
was even brought to acknowledge, that if she had an oven, 
some bread fit far Christians to eat, and some pigs and poultry, 
the j^ace was not that bad but it might do. 

*^ut our settlement ought to have a name, papa,” said 
Tom. 

Mrs. Merton sighed at the word settlement, and looked at 
her husband with mournful inquiry. 


160 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ If it be God’s will that we should remain here, my 
Lucy,” said he, “ and if our children are happy and healthy, 
we must submit with resignation.” 

“ And, as it certainly is our own estate now,” added Tom, 
‘‘ I think we might call it Mertonville.^^ 

“ Or Lewis Grove,” said Matilda ; for we should never 
have settled here, but for the suggestion of our dear friend 
Dr. Lewis.” 

‘‘ That is a capital idea, Matilda,” answered Jack, “ and I 
give up my plan, which was to name the place Maria Haven, 
for our dear stranger had the first claim on the property, and 
here found a refuge amongst us.” 

‘‘ I think,” said Lewis, “ we had better defer naming our 
retreat till we have finally resolved to continue in it. And 
now, whilst the nimble fingers of our young ladies are busied 
with weaving, can we not turn to some work ?” 

“ There is some work ready, I know,” replied J ack ; “ for 
in return for the poncho she is weaving for him, Charles 
probably intends to invest Mary with the skin of the puma 
he has slain.” 

“ I will take the skin of the fore-legs to make the fair 
child a pair of boots,” said Almagro. “ The skin of the 
hind-legs Charles may use toiself, for the same purpose.” 

“ My dear friend, Almagro,” answered Charles, looking at 
his handsome legs, still adorned with Hoby’s boots, of which 
he had not quite exhausted his stock, « you cannot surely 
believe that I could actually, in cold blood, plunge my legs 
into the skin just vacated by the rightful owner, and walk 
about in the fanciful attire of a puma’s legs, as a pretence at 
civilized boots ? I turn my rght to the prize over to my 
friend J ack, who, bringing all things to the question of mere 
expediency, sees no wide distinction between the dress of an 
Esquimaux chief and a Parisian exquisite.” 

“ I accept your gift, cousin Charlee,” said Jack, “ with 
gratitude ; but give me leave to say that a lion’s hide, how- 
ever ungraceful in form, is an appropriate dress for a hunter 
of the^ Pampas, and when your Hoby’s fail, you will be of 
my opinion. And now, Almagro, initiate me into this new 
plan of boot-making.” 

Almagro cut the skin round the thigh, stretched it with 
pegs, and rubbed it with sand, to remove the hair. The 


THE MERTON FAMILY, 


161 


lower extremity was then tied together, to cover the toes, 
the leg was introduced, the heel resting on the part which 
had surrounded the lowest joint of the puma’s leg ; and after 
drying a few days, and being rubbed with melted fat, Jack 
had a pair of boots impervious to the briars and underwood 
of the mountain forests. 

They all remained two days at home, cutting up and dry- 
ing the beef for charqui, of which useful provision they had 
now prepared a large stock lor the contingencies of winter, 
of which they had had no experience. The new cow under- 
went a system of training, and was found much more tracta- 
ble than expected : probably from association with her tamed 
kindred. She submitted to be fiiilked in a very short time, 
and they had now such an alsnndant supply of milk, that 
Nanny murmured continually because she had no chum. 
They had made the experiment of putting the cream into a 
water-cask, and rolling it round, but though this produced 
amusement, it did not produce butter. The cask was too 
large, and the motion not sufficiently rapid, and after much 
labor they only obtained some clotted cream, which was, 
however, by no means despised. 

They now determined to add a kitchen to the hut, for Mrs. 
Merton, seeing that they were happy in their continual em- 
ployment, became reconciled to tlie retreat ; and even agreed 
to have it named, in accordance with the united wishes of 
the family, Esperanza. 

Then Lewis and Tom marj^ed out a large square behind 
the hut : this they surrounded with poles of eight feet in 
height, which they cut down and brought from the wood. 
Between these they interwove the lopped branches till they 
formed a wall, which they finally daubed, within and without, 
with mud. In this dry climate a few days hardened the 
mud, and they had a firm and solid wall. Into this wall, 
while still wet, they fixed a number of stout wooden pegs, 
on some of which they designed to rest shelves, and the re- 
mainder were intended to hold their arms, or to be appro- 
priated to other useful purposes. The roof was completed, 
like that of the hut, under the direction of Almagro ; and at 
the end of a fortnight they had a large room, with a trellised 
window, and an aperture in the roof for tlie smoke. 

11 


162 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OY 


The fire-place was merely a circle of rough stones, for 
they had not the means of hewing them ; and on one side of 
the fire-place, Jack’s long-promised oven was begun, But 
though Jack was the willing laborer in this important con- 
struction, it was to the information and retentive memory of 
Tom, that he was indebted for the plan ; and it was Tom’s 
judgment that pointed out the best mode of completing it. 
It was a simple contrivance, being merely a hole dug in the 
ground, and lined with smooth, flat stones from the river. A 
single broad, flat stone formed the cover. When wanted, a 
fire was made in the oven till the stones were sufficiently 
heated ; the ashes were then swept out ; the meat placed on 
the hot stones ; the flag was placed over the oven, and upon 
it a fire was kept up till the meat was thoroughly cooked. 
Nanny was so much delighted with the baked beef — her first 
experiment — that she proposed, without delay, to commence 
baking pies, puddings, and even bread. 

And this undertaking, after laborious preparations, was 
saccessfully accomplished. The labor of pounding the 
maize was chiefly done by Jack and Dr. Lewis; the flour 
thus produced was by no means fine, but mixed with rich 
cream, it made excellent puddings and cakes ; they had also 
peach-pies, and parrot-pies, which had raised walls of paste, 
for unluckily they could not contrive any baking-dishes. 

“And now, mamma,” said Jack, “just look round and 
confess that we have almost everything we can want at Es- 
peranza. We have bread and milk, fruit, potatoes, beef in 
plenty, and fish when we will take the trouble to draw the 
nets these clever girls have made. We are asJaappy as kings 
and queens ; and you, dear mamma, are so well, and can be 
so useful now in the kitchen and dairy, that after all it was a 
good thing those knaves put us out of the ship. And look 
out, mamma, at the two beautiful young horses, which Alma- 
gro has trained to be as gentle as lambs. We are going to 
mount them to-day, and make another hunting expedition ; 
and depend on it, we shall bring home something new.” 

Mrs. Merton felt some trepidation when she saw the pro- 
cession move off*. Lewis and Jack were mounted on their 
lately-acquired prizes, Charles on Niger, and Almagro on the 
mule, all accoutred properly with saddles and bridles, n«atly 
made from the hide of the larg'3 bullock they had killed ; 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


1G3 


had even spurs of the thorns of the cactus. As Tom 
aould not have been mounted, except on a llama, a distinction 
xhich he declined, he remained at home to look after the 
fishery. The housekeepers wished him to go to the river and 
bring a large supply, as with the abundance of fat obtained 
from the bullock, they wished to bake and preserve as much 
as possible, before the frosts, which they anticipated in the 
winter, should close up their resources in the river. 

Leaving Tom at the weir, accompanied by Nanny, who was 
groaning as she washed her linen in the water, at the pitiless 
devastation of time, the proud cavalry rode on, booted and 
spurred like gallant knights. They penetrated the wood di- 
rectly east, instead of ascending the valley, and reached the 
Pampas at a considerable distance south of their last expedi- 
tion They rode forward some distance from the mountains, and 
spurred on their noble steeds over the wide plains, with a free- 
dom and enjoyment little known to men who ride over the 
beaten roads of civilized countries. 

The mornings were already keen and frosty, and the air 
Drought a rich odor from the pines. The sun shone brightly 
on the variegated foliage which clothed the mountain side, and 
glittered on the distant snowy pinnacles which seemed to 
pierce the clouds. For some time they pursued their way on 
the Pampas, seeing nothing but the agouti, bounding from its 
bush retreat ; or a solitary guanaco, the sentinel of the herd, 
perched on some little eminence, to watch and warn his 
friends, if their enemy, the puma, appeared in sight. 

“ Shall we go after the guanacoes asked Jack. ‘‘ But 
it is already too late, the sentinel is neighing out his signal 
of alarm, and see what a mighty herd are cantering off to the 
shelter of the next hill. Well, after all, we have meat 
enough for months ; but the gills might have liked the wool 
to spin. We know their haunts now, and when we want fresh 
meat we will pay them another visit. But look here, Alma- 
gro ! look at these monstrous eggs, scatterred about. Surely 
there must be the nest of an ostrich near.” 

“ There can be no doubt of it,” said x\lmagro, “ for these 
scattered eggs are the hiiacJws ; they are never hatched ; but 
are reserved, it is supposed, for the food of the young birds. 
Let us draw behind these trees and watch. Ah ! observe that 
noble creature inarching from yon hillock of sand ; it is tho 


164 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


male bird, and the young ones are following him. Make 
ready your bolas, and start at once ; we must surround them, 
and shall certainly take some.” 

The whole party dashed forward at once towards the aston- 
ished bird, which appeared for a few moments bewildered ; 
then uttering a deep hissing cry, it spread its sail-like wings, 
and fled with the swiftness of the wind, pursued by Almagro 
and Lewis. In the mean time Charles and Jack spurred their 
steeds after the young ones, which were following their parent, 
but less fleet in their movements than the old bird ; the youths 
overtook and flung their bolas round the legs of two birds, 
which fell perfectly entangled in the snare. 

“We will take them home alive, for I have always promised 
to give Maria an ostrich to tame, and this is a capital chance 
for me,” said Jack. 

“ But, my good fellow,” replied Charles, “ how can we pos- 
sibly lead or carry these great stupid, ugly birds ? They are 
scarcely even worth killing, for they have not a feather hand- 
some enough to adorn our caps.” 

“ I would certainly never place a feather in my cap,” said 
Jack. “ It would only entangle me in the branches of the 
trees ; but I do wish for a bird to give to Maria, and I 
think we might disable these troublesome fluttering wings.” 

Lewis and Almagro just then returned from their unsuc- 
cessful chase ; and Lewis, seeing their captives, said, — 

‘‘Well done, my brave lads, you have had better luck 
than we, for the swift racer distanced us. What do you pro- 
pose to do with these large, struggling creatures ?” 

Jack explained his wishes, and begged assistance to sub- 
due them. Almagro qumkly drew his knife and mutilated 
their wings, an operation that made Jack shudder, and almost 
w’ish he had destroyed them at once, rather than subjected them 
to this pain ; but Almagro assuring them that the wounds 
would soon heal, ho was reconciled, and thought only of the 
pleasure his offering would give. The legs of the birds were 
released, and lassoes placed round their necks ; these lassoes 
were attached to the saddles of the two conquerors, who thus 
led their captives in triumph. 

They were considering the advantages of returning at once, 
for little more could be accomplished with such inconvenient 
appendages ; but a herd of wild horses appearing in view, the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


U5 

two disengaged horsemen sot out at full speed after them. 
More fortunate than in their first adventure, they succeeded 
in capturing a young colt, which Almagro mounted, as he had 
done in the case of Pampero, and brought him up to the 
party tolerably subdued. Jack w^as much gratified, as his 
brother could now accompany them in their hunting parties. 

‘‘ This is glorious work,’’ said he j “ now let us ojS* home, 
and begin to build a poultry -yard.” 

They all laughed at Jitck’s notion of confining a breed of 
ostriches in a poultry -yard ; but Dr. Lewis assured him, as the 
birds were so young, they might be readily tamed ; and, if 
properly trained, he might be able some time to go out hunting 
on an o&trich. 

They were now at a considerable distance from the moun- 
tains, when Dr. Lewis stopped to examine some tall, ragged, 
dry stalks growing on the plain. 

“ It is one of the Linacece, the useful flax,” said he. “ If 
we do settle in this solitary spot, we must try to cultivate the 
flax, that we may escape one of the evils of savage life — the 
want of linen. Fill the game-bag. Jack, with the seeds ; the 
very sight of which will raise up before the delighted eyes of 
Nanny a vision of the hoards of linen she pines for. But 
much must be done before these seeds are transformed into 
garments for our use. We will, however, collect as many of 
the yellow stalks as we can conveniently carry away, that we 
may at once commence making some experiments in the use- 
ful manufacture.” 

This was more glorioiis work ” for the active Jack ; and 
though Charles, whose large portmanteau still contained a 
good store of linen, ridiculed the idea of their setting up a 
“ spinning-mill,” Lewis and Jack were not deterred from their 
task ; and Almagro, who had never known the luxury of wear- 
ing linen, kindly assisted them in making a scanty collection 
of the withered stalks, in binding them together, and tying 
them together on the back of the patient mule. They were 
preparing to remount, and Almagro was releasing the captive 
colt, which he had tied to a tree, when they were all sta^lled 
by a rushing sound, and looking up, saw a herd of 'ieer 
bounding over the plains, about fiXty yards from them. 
of the party were mounted but Charles, who, forgetting ms 
unfortunate captive, spurred his horse, and galloped after 


ADVENTUiltJi .-.ND WANDEIUNGS OP 

tiieTii, The young ostrich, unable or unwilling to follow the 
pace of Niger, would certainly have been strangled but for the 
warning cries of Lewis, which arrested the course of the young 
hunter in time to save its life. 

In the mean time the swift deer had fled beyond pursuit, 
and Charles was inconsolable. “ Only conceive,” said he, 
“ for the sake of this ugly, awkward biped, to lose such a 
magnificent chase, and the haunches of venison into the bar- 
gain.” 

But Charles was laughed out of his vexariion, and a pro- 
mise given that they would return to this deer-haunted spot 
at a more convenient opportunity, and carry home, if possible, 
the haunches of venison. Now it was absolutely necessary to 
return with the troublesome captives. 


CHAPTER XV. 

Taming of the young Ostriches. Preparation of the Flax. The 
Treasures of the Great Chest. The erection of the Chapel. The 
Deer-hunt, and the Adventure with the Jaguar. Another Expedi- 
tion to the Salina. Alarm. An Encounter with Lost Travellers 
on the Pampas. 

The cheerful voice of Jack singing “ See the Conquering 
Hero comes,” brought the anxious party from the house in 
time to see the approach of the triumphal procession, which 
had a most imposing effect, notwithstanding the neighing and 
curvetting of the wild colt, the shuffling, waddling gait of the 
half-fledged strange-looking birds, and the ignoble bundles 
of yellow stalks, which were piled on the back of the 
mule. The girls laughed with joyful wonder at the sight of 
the birds ; and Charles-, after all his vituperations against his 
prijioner, presented it with a good grace to his friend Mary ; 
wLile Jack, in giving his bird to Maria, added a promise that 
ie W<^-kld build a shed for its residence, and collect roots and 
grth* daily to feud it. All were pleased with their acquisi- 
tions. Tom was particularly gratified with the possession of 



“TUE deer hunt, and adventure W'ITH the jaguar. ” 



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niK MERTON EAMILY. 


m 

the handsome colt, which was a piebald ; he chose to give it 
the name of Maculato, and with the assistance of Almagro, 
he immediately set about taming and training it. 

Tom, in his course of reading, had obtained a theoretical 
knowledge of the mode of preparing flax, and Nanny had a 
practical acquaintance with the process ; therefore, after 
carefully reserving the seeds, in order to sow a plot of ground 
on their own estate, the preparation was immediately set 
about. The stalks were first spread to steep in a shallow 
part of the river, heavy stones being placed upon them, to 
prevent them being carried away by the current. This was 
a work of labor, and, the season now being cold, it was far 
from agreeable ; and they wore glad to return to a hot dinner 
and a comfortable fire. 

As Mr. Merton looked out at the two restless birds, which 
were tied to a tree, he observed : “ My dear children, is there 
not much danger of our little state becoming too populous ? 
Can we provide food and shelter for ourselves, and for so 
many living creatures depending on us V’ 

“ Why, the whole land is our own, papa,” cried Jack. 

Let us build houses, and lay out fields and gardens, and 
form a complete colony. Lewis must have a house first, for 
he has the best right to one ; besides, he is the eldest j and 
we will all help to build it.” 

In truth,” said Mrs. Merton, “ if it is resolved that we 
should settle in this strange solitude, and if Dr. Lewis is 
kind enough to forsake the world and remain with us, I cer- 
tainly think he ought to have the comfort of a separate 
abode, and not be crowded in our over-peopled hut.” 

“ I perfectly agree with you, mamma,” said Tom ; “ and I 
believe I shall be tempted to build a pretty snug place for 
myself, and lay out a farm.” 

Very good. Farmer Tom,” said his brother. “ And with 
what sort of animals do you design to stock your farm ? You 
must have fences six feet high, or you could never keep the 
wild cattle ; and what in the world could you cultivate, 
except maize, and the ugly, straggling flax, if it will grow ?” 

“ The flax is not ugly in the summer. Jack,” answered 
Matilda, as I hope you will see next year. Do not be dlf?- 
oouraged, Tom. See what treasures we have found to-day. 
We have unpacked the large chest, which has never been 


168 AiJVSNTUllES AND WANDERINGS OF 

opented since we took out the tea-service and the linen in the 
cave ; and he»«ides all the silver spoons, we found the best 
dinner knives and forks, which we really wanted so much. 
Then there are needles and thread to serve us for years, 
scissors, thimbles ; and, at the bottom of the box, were all 
these brown paper parcels. Read what is written on each of 
them.” 

Tom read onion seed,” “parsley seed,” “ turnip,” “ let- 
tuce,” “ peas,” “ beans then followed some smaller packets, 
marked “ mignionette,” “sweet peas,” “stocks:” all the 
home dowers. It was Mrs. Merton and Nanny who had se- 
cretly prepared these packages, in order that they might sur- 
round themselves, in a strange land, with memories of home. 
In the trouble, dangers, and anxieties, which they had ex- 
perienced since their arrival on the dreary coast, these packets 
had been wholly forgotten ; and they were now overjoyed at 
the unexpected sight of such valuable possessions. As Tom 
read the name on each packet, it was hailed with a cry of 
joy, and in imagination they saw their garden flourishing 
with all the useful and beautiful productions of their English 
home. 

“ If we had only been so fortunate as to bring some 
wheat,” cried Matilda. 

“ Forbear, my child,” replied Mr. Merton, “ to encourage 
such unreasonable desires. Let us not be ungrateful to God 
for the blessings he has given us, nor pine for those, which 
he, in his wisdom, thinks fit to withhold from us. Look 
around, my children, at the peace and plenty wc possess, and 
be thankful.” 

“We are thankful, papa,” answered Matilda; “ yet we 
may desire to extend our buildings, — to found a new town. 
A.II0W me to draw the plan. I have considered it well. The 
houses must form a large quadrangle within the stockades, 
and the Church must stand in the midst.” 

“ But we have no land to spare within the inclosure for 
cultivation,” said Tom, “ and I wish p<irticularly for a farm. 
I advise, that we should build our houses beyond the stock- 
e^ies, and each defend his own domain.” 

“ My dear friends,” said Mr. Mertoo, “you talk of houses, 

if y(m were really about to found a city, instead of raising 
some very simple huts. Most certainly these huts must be 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


160 


all within the enclosure that you have so industriously formed, 
for your timid mother and I could not re^t in p»AO€, if these 
defences did not include all those we love.” 

“ You are right, my good fnend,” observed Lewis. « T:iis 
fortress must be our stronghold. Here we must build, if the 
weather be not too severe to prevent it ; if that should be 
the case, we must wait for spring, Tom and I have also a 
plan, but we are not above taking a hint from the experienced 
architect Matilda.” 

Matilda felt that she was reproved, and was penitent, but 
persisted in her petition for the church ; a«d Mr. Merton w&:3 
so much aflPected at the idea of again performing his duties 
in a temple, however humble, which was consecrated to 
God, that the building of the church was carried by acclama- 
tion. 

And now the various plans for the dwellings were brought 
forward, discussed, and one after another rejected. The 
want of iron, and the scarcity of work tools, were formidable 
obstacles. But as Jack observed, “ We are ten times better 
off than the Indians, or even Guachos of the Pampas, and 
Almagro will tell you, that they can get up very snug hrts. 
To be sure, ours ought to have a more civilized look tl an 
those of such rude fellows ; b^.'Mcs Charles, as the great 
lord of the community, will, of course, expect to have a 
castle.” 

Charles declared that he would at present content himself 
with a hunting-box, for he protested against a permanent set- 
tlement in the wilderness ; but before even this was begun, * 
he begged that the horses mi^ht have the comfort of a 
stable for the cold nights, which would inevitably become 
colder. 

This had been for some time a subject of thought, and 
now without delay, they raised within the corral, some com- 
fortable sheds for the cows, the llamas, and the horses. 
After this work was done, a plan was produced by Tom for 
the church, very neatly drawn, and fully approved by every 
one. They began to build immediately, in the midst of the 
area, between two peach-trees. The cl^apel was about thirty 
feet long 5 the walls, like those of the hut, formed of woveh 
willows, covered with mud, and the roof was thatched with 
maize leaves. At the east end a large space was left as a 


170 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


window, which was neat''v latticed with thin spars. A wicker 
door completed the exterior. Then they brought from the 
river large smooth, flat stones, which they laid down for the 
floor. This labor had occupied them about three weeks, 
when the frosts became more severe, and some slight showers 
of snow fell, which the sun soon melted ; but this weather 
was unfavorable for building, and the workmen employed 
themselves within doors, and succeeded in producing some 
improved specimens of carpenter’s work. 

On fine days they went out to hunt ; they added another foal 
to their stud, killed some giianacoes, and brought home about 
twenty ostrich eggs, which, sawed in two, gave to the kitchen 
a. number of .seful bowls and dishes. 

The young ostriches had become perfectly docile, and now 
were allowed to stalk about the inclosure in freedom, feed- 
ing on the grass, and retiring to their own shed when the 
frost and snow came on. Their young mistresses were de- 
lighted to wateh their habits, but Mrs. Merton, in some alarm, 
inquired how tall they would become. 

“ The ostrich of South America, Strutfiio Rhea^^’ said Tom, 
“ is, even at its full growth, not more than six feet in height. 
It is the largest bird of America, but much inferior in 
size to the ostrich of Africa, which reaches the height of 
ten feet.” 

‘‘ This diminution in size,” observed Mr. Merton, “ is a 
fact noticed in all the animal creation of the new world. The 
puma is a miniature lion, the jaguar, a small leopard, the 
I monkeys are marmosets, compared with the gigantic creatures 
of Asia 5 and the birds, from the ostriches to the finches, are 
smaller than those of the eastern hemisphere. Nor can any 
other part of the world produce such a minute feathered crea- 
ture as that miniature specimen of Trochilus Fortificatus, 
which, even in this cold season, is darting about after some 
wholly invisible insects.” 

“ The American ostrich has, you perceive, three toes, each 
furnished with a nail,” continued Tom ; “ the African ostrich 
has but two toes, like the camel. Almagro tells me, the flesh 
of the young ostrich is excellent food ; but as we shall cer- 
tainly not slay our pets to umk a the experiment, we must 
wait till we can take a bird on the Pampas. When this fe- 
male bird begins to lay eggs, I can instruct Nanny ” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


in 


“To blow them, no doubt!” interrupted Jack, “aa wo 
used to blow the sparrows’ eggs at Winston. But we are all 
tired of the ostrich lecture ; and I wish to know for what cu- 
rious purpose the girls are splitting up these maize stems, 
which I had just brought up for Vixen.” 

“ You must excuse us, said Mary, “for it is for 

something very useful. It is quite Matilda’s plan ; and re- 
member, she has never boasted of it. We are making mat- 
ting to cover the floor of the chapel ; and when your ingenuity 
shall have furnished it with a reading-desk and benches, 
the building will be complete, and will look like a chapel.” 

“ It will not be complete without a bell,” said Jack, “ but 
that, I fear we cannot make, and therefore I intend to be 
the Muezzin^ and shall climb on the roof every morning to 
proclaim the ezzan; you shall hear how melodiously I shall 
chant the summons.” 

“ I shall not permit such a mockery, my son,” answered 
Mr. Merton ; “ I would not have a ceremony turned into a 
jest which is considered holy ; though practised only by the 
mistaken followers of the imposter Mohammed. Remember, 
that the words of the Muezzin proclaim the might and majes- 
ty of the one true God, and that on hearing the solemn 
words, all fall down on their faces and worship, in spirit, that 
Great and Mysterious Being. Rather than mock at their ce- 
remonies, I would counsel you all, my children, to imitate the 
humble spirit of devotion evinced by men who are yet igno- 
rant of the Great Truth ; and with meek hearts worship him 
who has, to us, opened the way of salvation.” 

The reading-desk and the benches employed the industrious 
young men on the days when the snow whirled from the moun- 
tains, and the keen winds chilled the frame, till the family 
were thankful of the warm skins to line the hut, and the com- 
fort of the cheerful wood-fire, to supply which they had pre- 
viously collected a large pile of fuel behind the hut. 

Fires were also made in the chapol till the walls were har- 
dened ; then the desks and benches were arranged, and Mr. 
Merton performed the solemn ceremony of consev'"iting this 
simple temple to the worship of God ; afterwc N they had 
daily prayers in the chapel. The cold flag floor was CTOvered 
with neatly woven mats, and the sisters were now busily en- 
gaged in weaving from the hair of the llama, a curtain for 


172 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


the window : Tom promiyng them, that in the spring, he would 
examine the cacti for the cochineal insect, that they might 
dye the curtain scarlet. 

In various labors, the tiaw passed rapidly, till the midst of 
winter, the month of July arrived. The store-room still con- 
tained an ample stock of dried meat and maize, which, with 
mik, formed their wholesome diet ; but on fine frosty days the 
hunters went out, and seldom returned without a guanaco, a 
hare, or a vicuna, — a welcoore addition to their dry food and 
their store of skins. In oik.> of these excursions, when they 
had somewhat extended their researches, they were fortunate 
enough to discover a salina, or salt lake, over which formed 
a table of pure salt, crystallized in large cubes. Many large 
pieces were scattered round the shores of the lake, and they 
were enabled to fill a bag to convey home for present use ; 
determining to return to the spot and collect a good quan- 
tity to store. 

When Nanny was presented with a guanaco and a bag of 
salt, she smiled graciously on the gentlemen. “ There’s some 
sense in bringing such useful things as this salt,” said she, 
glancing invidiously at the young ostriches, which were prone 
to mischief. “ Now we will have our meat cured after a de- 
cent fashion, and this very day will I .'ralt and smoke these two 
legs of mutton as we call it, though nc mutton was ever so 
poor ; but see if it will not eat better than these dry chips of 
beef, that make one’s jaws ache to chew them : and to think 
of them poor ignorant heathens, spoiling good meat by drying 
all taste out of it, when they have salt growing, as it were, in 
their very pastures.” 

The salt was highly relisiied, and the young men promised 
more, but remained at home two days to clean and prepare 
two guanaco skins, which were to be used as carpets in the 
chapel this cold weather, one being placed at the reading- 
desk, for Mr. Merton, and the other was to be a warm rug for 
mamma’s feet. 

The frosts were now severe ; every morning the ground 
was covered with snow, and the river was frozen, but as the 
day advanced the suu dispersed the frost, the river became 
daily augm'irt'^ > y the melted snow, and the hunters feared 
it would sovti become unfordable. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


m 

‘‘ At all events,” said Lewis, Befote the swollen waters 
entirely imprison us, let us have a chase after the deer, which 
this cold weather will bring towards the woods for shel- 
ter.” 

Jack sprung up directly, but Charles and Tom thought it 
too cold, and excused themselves on the plea that they were 
assisting the young ladies, who were making a large net of 
slender thongs of hide, with which they proposed to net the 
river, as soon as the spring had tempted the fish from their 
retreats. Almagro was in the woods, cutting down some 
trees, to build himself a hut, which w^as the next undertaking 
projected. The two friends therefore set out alone, mounted on 
their horses, and, crossing the river before the ice was melted, 
galloped forward to the plains. They soon met with the deer, 
and captured one, which was slain, and laid upon Pampero, 
and, a slight snow-shower coming on, Lewis turned home- 
wards. 

‘‘ Come back, Lewis,” cried Jack^ “ and tell me what that 
brilliant creature can be that I see through the foliage of 
that dark pine ? It must be climbing the tree.” 

“ Quick, my dear lad!” said Lewis. ‘‘We must either 
make off, or prepare for action, for, by the splendor of the 
skin, that climbing creature must be the beautiful and dan- 
gerous jaguar.” 

Jack’s rifle was ready in a moment. “I suppose Ih^ 
fellow will be too cunning to be trapped by the bolas,” iaid 
he. 

“ If we attempted such a plan we should have the worst 
of it,” replied Lewis. “But mark, how still the crafty 
creature is now. I am persuaded that he has seen us, and 
intends to have a banquet on us, or our poor horses. Now, 
Jack, let me intreat you to retire, and I will take a shot at 
him, and then follow you.” 

But, before his prudent friend had finished his request, 
Jack had galloped up to tlie tree, and when within a few 
yards, had fired at the jaquar. The furious beast immediately 
made a spring from the tree upon the boy, and to the horror 
of Lewis, dragged him from the horse, which fled like the 
wind, evidently conscious of its danger, and rejoicing at its 
escape. For a single painful moment Lewis hesitat£id : if he 
tired, the risk was great of shooting the hoy, yet to leavi 


rr4 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

him for a» iastant in the clutches of the powerful jaguar 
would be death. He snatched the bolas from his saddle, and 
whirling them with the rapidity of despair, sent them with 
such good aim that they entangled the hind legs of the 
beast, which turned round in fury to attack the aggressor in 
the rear. 

To the great astonishment of Lewis, Jack sprung up, ap- 
parently uninjured, leaving his poncho in the claws of the 
enemy, and began to reload his piece, but his friend, waving 
him on one side, fired at the head of the jaguar, and killed 
it on the spot. 

“ Let me have my poncho,” cried Jack ; “ I hope the ill- 
bred creature has not rent it. Only think, Lewis, how lucky 
it was that Maria had made the ^'pening so wide that I easily 
withdrew my head, when I found the savage beast had 
clutched my poncho instead of my ribs. But he would have 
had me, Lewis, at his second spring, but for your bolas. 
You are a capital doctor, for you never undertake a bad case 
but you save your patient ; I should think there are not many 
doctors can say that.” 

“ Remember, my dear Jack, I was only an instrument in 
the hands of God j you must thank him for your rescue 
from a frightful death,” said Lewis. “ And now, if you will 
wait till i skin this beast, that we may carry off a trophy, we 
w' 1 return.” 

The animal w'as skinned, and it's coat was added to the 
burthen of Pampero, which was led home by its master, as 
Ja'k was compelled to walk, murmuring for the loss of his 
steed, though truly grateful for his escape. 

“ What a vexatious thing,” said he, “ that I must return 
in such an ignommous plight — dismounted and defeated, my 
poncho rent, and my horse lost ! How the merry girls will 
laugh at me ! I might as well have staid at homo too, to 
weave fishing-nets.” 

But when they arrived at the entrance of the enclosure, 
they found Vixen standing quietly, but panting with her 
gallop, and evidently very glad when she found herself in her 
stable, escaped from the falling snow and the claws of the 
jaguar. The venison vras well received, and the adventure 
of the jaguar created great interest ; the heroes were ap- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 1^5 

plaudod, and Matilda made a pretty speech, when the hand- 
T -.6 skin of the animal was laid at her feet. 

The jaguar, rather than the puma,” observed Tom, 
“ should certainly be named the ‘ king of the forest’ in South 
America 5 he is the most savage of the wild animals, and 
Jack has had a most miraculous escape. He is, as you would 
observe, nearly as large as the tiger of the East, though his 
bright yellow spotted skin resembles more that of the leopard : 
these spots on the back and neck, are ocellated black rings, 
with a black spot in the centre 3 the under part of the animal 
is white, with transverse black stripes. He is truly a beauti- 
ful creature, but I trust, as the jaguar is the solitary animal, 
and usually frequents warmer latitudes than this, we need 
not fear having a nocturnal visit from another of these fierce 
creatures, which could easily climb into the corral and destroy 
all the stock. I should raiher have liked to see the jaguar 
living, if I could have don:: it in security ; but to meet him 
alone would be a very undesirable shock to the nerves.” 

One more very important) expedition was projected before 
the increasing waters of the river should imprison them. 

They proposed to go at once to the Salina, and in the first 
place bring away sevc.ral large bags of salt ; but they had 
still another motive for the visit, for they had observed, on 
the borders of the lake, an arborescent grass of great length, 
resembling the bamboo, which grew in entangled masses. 
Of this grass or cane, they determined to collect a large 
quantity for the purpose of weaving the walls of the projected 
huts. 

The morning was clear and frosty when they set out in 
good spirits prepared fttr a hard day’s work, after the long 
ride to the Salt Lake, On reaching the lake, they broke the 
surface with axes, filled several large bags with salt, and 
then proceeded to cut down the b imboos, tying them up in 
bundles with thongs. These bundles were again tied together 
in one large pile, on which the bags of salt were laid, the 
whole to be drawn along by Niger and the mule, the most 
tractable of the animals in harness. 

Tired with their long labor, they sat down to refresh them- 
selves with some slices of beef they had brought with them, 
regretting that with that large space of water before them, 
they could not find any fit to drink. They were startled as 


1*16 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

they sat on that still spot by two flying from a tree 

near them; and Jack, persuaded that there must l>3 a rr st 
in some hollow of the tree, wfth his usual unthing activity 
climbed up to search for it. But, in a moment, he slid down 
the tree, pale and agitated, and exclaimed : “ I see people 
coming towards us ! Let us make ready, for they must, I 
fear, be the Indians.” 

“ Most assuredly, if any pocplc be coming this way,” said 
Lewis, ‘‘ they must be Indians ; for, at this season, no one 
else would be crossing the dreary Pampas. But let us im- 
mediately ascertain their number, and the distance they are 
from us, that we may calculate whether we have time to es- 
cape ourselves, after concealing these traces of the presence 
of man,” pointing to the piles of bamboo. 

Almagro sprung up the tree to survey the plains, and came 
down with a look of wonder. “ These are not Indians,” said 
he ; they are the men of civilized countries, for they have 
carriages drawn by horses.” 

For a moment all were silent, mixed thoughts of pain 
and pleasure crossed their minds. Jack was the first who 
spoke. 

“ How unlucky !” said he, There\i an end of our Bobin- 
son Crusoe life. Who would ever have thought of people 
coming with their carts and carriages here, as if it was mar- 
ket-day ; when we flattered ourselves we were in an untrodden 
solitude, and that the land was ail our own.” 

For my part,” said Tom, ‘‘ I Jthall not object to learn the 
way out of this wilderness. There is so much work before 
you can obtain the smallest comforts, £ind there are so many 
things, absolutely necessary, that we nt'Ver can get here, that 
I am rather tired of such a hard life.” 

“ We are really in a very unfit state to receive company,” 
said Charles, especially if there should be any ladies of the 
party. If it were possible, I would j^ladly withdraw ; I feel 
so much ashamed of this rude, savage, ungentlemanly cos- 
tume.” 

The lamentations of Charles, and the idea of ladies on the 
Pampas at this season, occasionod much mirth ; but soon they 
all forgot their own feelings and fencies, in anxiety and 
watchfulness for the arrival of the party, which they now 
plainly saw slowly approaching the place where they were 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


m 

resfing. As the carriages drew nearer, they discovered that 
they were two long covered waggons ; the first, drawn by a 
single horse ; the second, by two mules. Each of the animals 
was led by a person who seemed to have great difficulty 
in getting his charge to move onward with the ponderous 
waggons. 

The friends now mounted their horses, and riding briskly 
forward, soon came up to the procession. “ Thank Heaven !” 
cried a pale, emaciated man, in English, as they approached, 
‘‘We are saved ! for if you are Christians, you will not suffer 
us to perish in this interminable wilderness.” 

“We will do all in our power to aid you,” replied Lewis. 
“ Tell us who you are 1 and whither you are going?” 

They were now joined by a tall fine looking man, who 
seemed likewise much exhausted bj f.;tigue or privation. 
“We are brothers-in-law,” continued the speaker. 

“ This is William Douglas; my name is Henry C..rruthers. 
In this waggon are our wives and an infant ; tho T ^ggon be- 
hind is driven by our servant John Arm^'trong : this is our 
whole party. We left Buenos Ayres iLrce n.otilis ago for 
Chili, intending to cross the Andes before the snows fell. 
Our purpose in visiting Chili, was, to work some mines in 
that rich country. We have been betrayed, robbed, and 
deserted by our guides ; we have lost our vay, and have 
wandered blindly over these dreary wastes, till we have been 
almost reduced to absolute famine. In anoth'.r day our last 
remaining animals must have died of fatigue, a’jd, with 
them, every hope of our escape. But God heart, oui cry in 
the wilderness, and has sent you to save us ; Li-rne be 
blessed !” 

“ Did I not tell you, Henry, to keep up your courage,” 
cried a pretty little active woman, who, folded in a dark 
cloak, now descended from a door at the back of the carriage. 
“ What was the use of falling into despair ? And you see, 
as usual, I was right. My good strangers, your faces were 
never so welcome in this world as they are just now. I must 
have some talk to you ; and, now William, take that pool 
horse out of the traces, and let him have a mouthful of 
grass, — such as it is. And you, Henry, just step into the 
waggon, and beg Eliza to give up that sighing and moaning, 
which is very bad for the child, and to cheer up, for we shall 


ns ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 

soon visit her, and introduce these charming kind young 
strangers to her.” 

Having employed her husband and brother, Mrs. Douglas, 
as she proved to be, introduced herself to her new friends, 
and was soon on familiar terms with them, 

“ You must excuse my sister, young gentlemen,” continued 
she. “ She is delicate and nervous, and has almost fretted 
herself to death about our misfortunes ; and would never 
hear me when I told her I felt sure that Grod would send us 
help, if we trusted in him, and used our own senses and 
energies. Poor Eliza ! all she begged for was, tJiat we 
should remain in one place till somebody came to h^lp ns, for 
she could not bear the jolting of the waggon. be sure, I 
must allow, the motion is not easy, especially since wo broke 
one of the wheels by driving over the fallen truTtk of c, tree. 
John Armstrong did his best to mend it, but ho, i?i no great 
workman j he certainly said he could have managed it, if he 
could have had a forge, but we could not wait till he set up 
a smith’s shop on the Pampas. Oh ! he made a sad bungling 
job of that wheel, which has never turned round since ; so 
you may conceive how rough our travelling has b ' 'ti.” 

As soon as the voluble lady made a pause. Dr. Lowis in- 
quired if Mrs. Carruthers was ill, as he was a medical prac- 
titioner, and would be glad to offer his services k required. 
Mr. Carruthers, who had joined them^ aoeepted his offer with 
grateful acknowledgements, and conducted him into the long, 
clumsy carriage, which formed the lodging of the ladies ; the 
gentlemen having been obliged to sleep on tho piled luggage 
in the second waggon. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


179 


CHAPTEK XVI. 

The Adventures of the Str’ igers. Departure from Buenos Ayers. 
Delays on the Pampas. Separation or the Party. Sat^ioions of 
the Guides. Treachery, Murder, ana Robbery. The Wanderings 
and Sufferings of the Travellers. Welcome to Esperanza. Mora 
acquisitions, and a new Mansion projected. 

The interior of the waggon was neatly fitted up, a mattress 
was laid on a sort of frame, uron this couch reclined a young, 
pretty, and very delicate looking female ; and by her side, in 
an ornamental, uncomfortable cradle, was sleeping a very 
young infant. After an introduction and a little conversa- 
tion with the languid lady. Dr. Lewis inquired the circum- 
stances which had reduced th^m to such a distressing state. 

“ It is now three months,’’ s.' :d Mr. Carruthers, “ since we 
left Buenos Ayres. We had then tw« carriages for ourselves, 
with six waggons laden with our property, and four guides. 
Besides these our party was augmented by twelve experienced 
miners we had brought from EugKcd, who were mounted on 
horses and mules. We travelled ilowly, for the health of my 
wife would not permit us to go far ia a day, and at night we 
either rested in our waggons, wnen our people formed a guard 
round us, or at the huts of the ftations. About three weeks 
after our departure, my wife wis unable to proceed ; she re- 
mained two days at a wretched hut, inhabited by an aged 
couple of Guachos, and at the end of that time our poor 
baby was prematurely born. Our situation was most dis- 
tressing ; and, as the best plan we could think of, we pro- 
posed to Eliza, that as soon as she was able to travel, sh^ 
should return to Buenos Ayres, and permit ‘^s to proceed ' 
Chili; from whence I proraLed to return, a d conduct her 
over the mountains in the fpring.” 

« Did you ever hear such an unkind and unnatural pro- 
posal murmured the invalid. I was determined never to 
be separated from my husband. I would not listen to thefr 
plans. I insisted on going where Henry went.” 

Alas !” said Mr. Carruthers, it was an unfortunate de - 
termination for us all. The provisions necessary for »o large 
a party could not be procured at this lonely spot, and after 


180 


jLDVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


much deliberation, William Douglas and I agreed to send 
forward the miners, with ftiree waggons and two guides, and 
we propo^^d to follow as soon as Eliza was well enough fo 
travel. She recovered so alowlj that it was a month before 
we left that dreary hovel, where we had been able to procure 
no provision except beef, and conseqiientl;^ our own excellent 
store was greatly diminished when we again set out. I dis- 
covered, after a day or two, that the guides had become 
sullen and discontented ; they continually murmured at our 
slow progress, declaring that it would be impossible to cross 
the mountains, if we did not reach them speedily, as the 
winter was actually begun. Douglas and I became alarmed 
at the dark and sinister looks of the men, and we determined 
at the next station we reached, to endeavor to procure 
another guide, and dismiss these suspicious characters, 

“ From that hour we never reached an inhabited station : 
it might be that the men suspected our intention, or that they 
understood the English language, which I always believed 
they did, though they denied it, and overheard Eliza and her 
sister talking of our plan of discharging them, and deter- 
mined to thwart us. We were compelled, night after night, to 
rest in our waggons, and had now no guard except our faithful 
dog Wallace, but of his vigilance we never entertained a 
doubt. The dog had become attached to our chief guide, who 
caressed and fed him, and if the guides took a gallop over 
the plains after the wild cattle, Wallace usually accompanied 
them. 

“ One morning, when we arose from our anxious rest, we 
heard from the guides that they had been out early chasing 
some wild cattle ; they had brought back the carcase of a 
young cow, but alas ! Wallace had not returned with them. 
They declared that they did not discover his loss till they 
were on the rode to the encampment, that they had then re- 
turned and sought diligently for him, but could find no trace 
even of his body. They suspected he must have followed the 
herd to some distance, and been gored by a wild bull. 
We were all deeply distressed, and Margaret Douglas freely 
declared her opinion of the treachery of the guides. She had 
brought up Wallace, and knew that he never wantonly at- 
ta<.ke5 animal ; and he was too formidable in appearance. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


181 


iad too bra«<» ia defence, to have much to fear from any 
?Btaranist. 

■ “ JL>ouglas and I remonstrated with the men on the unsatis- 
factory nature of our progress ; we were persuaded that they 
were now leading us in a direction which diverged too much 
to the south to be the regular road. Our accusations were 
f^eived with insolence and defiance ; my wife was in a fearful 
{^tate from terror, and at length we peremptorily told the men 
that if they did not condQct us to an inhabited spot the en- 
suing day, they must leave us immediately. A short time af. 
ter, they came to us, assured us they had diverged from 
rjie direct route to avoid some Indian tribes, who were 
prowling about to watch for travellers ; but they added, 
they would certainly bring us to a station the very next 
'ay. 

« We were satisfied with this assurance, and slept more 
peacefully than we had done for some nights. I was 
waked by a loud cry from John, who occupied the same wag- 
gon as Jbouglas and I, and had just left it to rouse the guides 
and drivers, who slept in another waggon. My brother and 
I, rushed after him, to the open door of the third waggon, on 
the floor of which we beheld the horrid spectacle of the two 
drivers lying dead, bftthed in their blood. The villanous 
guides, who had committed this dreiadful deed, had afterwards 
plundered the waggons of many valuables, including an iron- 
box of money, and had then fled, carrying with them our 
best horses, doubtless, with the view of retarding our pro- 
gress, for they left us only the two worst horses and two 
mules. 

‘‘ Stunned with this misfortune, we were for some time in- 
capable of thought or action. The awful spectacle of violent 
death, and the fearful prospect of the future, in these un- 
knovyu wikis, distracted and unmanned us. What would have 
become of us I know not, if Douglas had not decided on call- 
ing in his wife tr our aid. She is a woman of a noble, vigo- 
rous, and en+<?rprising mind : it was she who first projected 
our undt rtaking, and it was she who rescued us in that fear- 
ful extremity. After the first shock of the dreadful intelli- 
gence, nw recalled her energy, and arranged and ordered 
averytli* 'g. The waggon wliich contained the two murdered 
men was closed — the door was even nailed up. After we 
had dorm this duty, we all knelt down, my brother and I were 


182 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


still plunged in despair, and that good and intrepid woman 
herself pronounced such portion of the funeral service as she 
could apply to that sad sepulture. The waggon was left on 
that blood-stained spot — the tomb of the two wretched men. 
Margaret then besought us all to be discreet, and it is only 
within the last ten days that Eliza has been acquainted with 
the whole of the terrible transaction. 

“ As we had but four animals left, we were compelled to 
abandon all but the two travelling-waggons, in one of which 
we placed the most useful part of our property, and all the 
remains of our provision. Much was necessarily left, but a 
written notice affixed to the waggons, announced to whom the 
property belonged, and signified that if safely conveyed to 
Santiago, a handsome remuneration would be given. All this 
was Margaret’s arrangement, and all was effected, and we had 
actually moved from the scene of horror, before Eliza awoke, 
when we made such explanation of tho departuro of the guides 
as satisfied her. 

But we were bewildered on the wide and trackless waste; 
we had no guide till we had the first view of the distant 
mountains, and our direct course was continually interrupt- 
ed by deep rivers, or impassable marshes. Foot weeks and 
weeks we have wandered, seeking a resting-place, but find- 
ing none ; our provisions exhausted, for days even without 
water, and our poor animals daily becoming weaker. At 
length one horse fell dead ; vw saw the rest could not long 
survive, and we had abandonea all hope, when we met you ; 
but now I see you will aid us.” 

“ Be assured that you will be welcome to the simple fare 
and accommodations of our little community,” said Dr. 
Lewis. “We can offer you food, shelter, and rest ; and the 
ladies can have the pleasure of female society, and a nurse 
for this poor delicate baby.” 

“ How delighted I shall be to be restored to society,” 
said Mrs. Carruthers, with some animation. I hope your 
friends. Dr. Lewis, are not stiff, serious people ; my sister 
Margaret is so very rigid in her notions, that I ».m quite 
wearied with her lectures, and pine for the society of the 
young, for balls and amusements.” 

“ But we really can offer you none of these pletsurcs,” 
replied Lewis, laughing ; ‘^moreover, by my medical 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


183 


I forbid you all balls and eiteiting company, for some months. 
In the mean time, we can give you a desirable change from a 
broken vehicle, a short allowance of food, and a winter at the 
foot of the Andes.” 

OIrs. Carruthers loolied disappointed ; she did not quite like 
the prospect of things ; but when the kind doctor again talked 
of herself, felt her pulse, prescribed restoratives, nursed 
the baby, and pronounced it to be a baby of promise, she 
became reconciled, and inquired when and where they were 
to go. 

It was a question necessary to be settled ; but when Lewis 
and Mr. Carruthers left the waggon to consult with their 
friends on the matter, they found the energetic Mrs. Douglas 
surrounded by her assistants, and everything arranged. The 
obstinate wheel, repaired by the skill of Tom and Almagro, 
now consented to turn ] Niger was to be harnessed to the first 
waggon, and the mule to assist the wretched animals which 
drew the last. The bamboos were abandoned for another op- 
portunity, and the young hordes carried the salt-bags. 

All being ready, the party set out cheerfully and moved 
at a tolerable pace towards their haven of refuge ; the gen- 
tlemen walking by the side of the laden horses, and soon be- 
coming acquainted with each other’s history ; while Mrs. 
Douglas alternately attended to her nursing duties in the 
waggon, and indulged in more cheerful conversation with the 
pedestrians. They found the river so much swollen, that it 
was already somewhat perilous to ford it ; and Lewis saw that 
if they wished to have the bamboos before the spring, they 
must go for them next morning, before the frost was dissipated, 
/or another day’s snow added to the river would render it im- 
passable. Tl:e strangers were charmed with the secluded 
beauty of the valley which their new friends had chosen for 
their domain, and astonished at the strength and security of 
the fence, which had been planted but a few months. When 
they reached the entrance, which was always kept barred in 
the absence of the gentlemen, Jack, as usual, uttered a shrill 
whistle, which soon summoned the sisters to unbar the door 
and rush out, folded in their warm ponchos, to greet the 
hunters. 

The astonishment and embarrassment of the young girls 
cannot be described, when they found themselves in the pre- 


184 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Bence of strangers, and saw the tw« huge at the gate. 

It was some time before the kind and frank manners of Mr. and 
Mrs. Douglas and Mr. CaiTuthers reassured them, and they 
were able to welcome their new guests ; then Dr. Lewis 
opened the door of the waggon, and introduced them to Mrs. 
Carruthers ; Maria shrunk back in silent wonder, the lady 
was so entirely unlike her first friende j Matilda was struck 
with admiration at the grace and beauty and the elegant at- 
tire of the stranger, and was overjoyed at the prospect of such 
an acquaintance ; but Mary saw only the baby. 

Do allow me to be its nurse,^’ exclaimed she ; it is more 
beautiful than any doll I ever saw. I will be very, very care- 
ful, if you will trust it to me.” 

‘‘ Oh! I shall be truly glad to be released from the distres- 
sing task,” sighed Mrs. Carruthers. “ 1 have been wholly 
unaccustomed to such menial employment, and my health has 
grievously suffered from the unusual labor. Yomappear young 
and strong, and have doubtless, in your station of liafe, been 
accustomed to work.” 

“ My dear Elksa,” interrupted her husband, these young 
ladies have been educated like yourself. It is only the un- 
fortunate adventure which left them desolate in this solitude 
that has compelled them to labors to which they were not 
born.” 

“ Besides that, we all like to work,” added the little gisl, 

and I have been used to much harder labor than nursdug 
this dear baby ; so come along, Maria, we will carry it to 
mamma and the little girls skipped away with their trea- 
sure, leaving Matilda half mortifi^ at the contempt of Mrs. 
Carruthers, ashamed of hor own coarse dress and laborious 
occupations ; yet pitying the weak and helpless lady whose 
beauty she admired so much 

Mary covered the baby with her poncho till she entered the 
hall, as they called their usual sitting-room, then placing the 
little creature on her mamma’s lap, she cried out, “ See, mam- 
ma, what a beautiful gift God has sent us !” 

“ Save the girl !” exclaimed Nanny ; “ where can she have 
picked up that fundling, in this out-of-the-world place ? Dll 
be bound its no Christian ; and if we bring it up, who, can tell 
but it may scalp us some day.” 


THE MERTON EAMILT. 


185 


^ But w« are not to bring it up, Nanny,” said Mary ; “ its 
p^pa afrd mamma are here, and some other people. Dr. Lewis 
is bringing them all to stay with us.” 

“ What does he mean by suoh doings,” said the irritable 
maiden. “ Where can we ge^. njeat for so many mouths 1 
And may be they’ll be fine foLis, locking for their china plates 
and their drinking glasses.” 

“If they are in distress »nd need, Nanny,” said Mr. Mer- 
ton, “ as they must be to have wandered to this spot, it is 
our duty to feed and shelter them. 1 will go forth to meet 
these strangers, and to welcome them to our humble roof and 
frugal entertainment.” 

Mrs. Merton was at first confused and overcome by the 
news, but roused herself to assist Nanny, who, after she had 
scolded a little, busied heiroelf heartily in prepartion for her 
guests, casting many a side glance of compassion, in the midst 
of her bustle, on the pretty pale baby which Mary was nurs- 
ing so tenderly. One of the best damask table. clothes was 
quickly thrown over the rough wooden table ; and a bright 
display of silver spoons contrasted strongly with the wooden 
platters which were by no means round, and the drinking cups 
of ostrich egg-shells. The ^alt was in an oyster-shell, and 
the haunch of venison, wUch was making ready for the hun- 
gry hunters, was destined to be served up on a wooden platter. 
But a cheerful fire of wood was blazing, with as little smoke as 
could be expected 5 and tiv' room was light, warm, and home- 
like. 

The large party soon entered, Mrs. Douglas leaning on the 
arm of Mr. Merton, to whom she had been rapidly sketching 
their history and adventures. Mr. Carruthers followed, bearing 
his feeble wife in his arms; she was placed on one of the wooden 
seats, which, though covered with skins, were certainly not 
luxurious couches. Casting her eyes round, the lady uttered 
a faint cry, and, covering her face, cried, “ Oh ! Henry, T had 
hoped that we were coming to some civilized people ! What 
will become of me ! I shall certainly die in this wretched 
hovel!” 

Henry Carruthers seemed at once ashamed and distressed ; 
he spoke to bis wife in a low voice, entreating her to be 
composed ; but Mrs. Douglas addressed her in a tone of re- 
moaetrano0. 


186 


ADVENTURES AND 'SVANDEllINGS OF 


‘‘ Be silent, Eliza,” said she, or speak like a wo^aa Let 
senses. Be thankful that you are not in a wigvmm, nv slpit- 
ted for an Indian’s supper, instead of being hospitably re- 
ceived by this worthy, wiicm-hearted family, who have, like 
ourselves, been unfortunate, but have had energy enough to 
shake off their despondence, and, by God’s help, have created 
for themselves a peaceful iioine. You must pardon this sick 
spoilt child, my dear Mrs. Merton; you will learn befoi^ we part, 
to know us all. And now, my good woman,” addressing 
Nanny, who was regarding her with much approbation, “ Can 
I help you to take that savory preparation from the oven, for 
we have tasted nothing better than biscuit thisi ten or twelve 
days, and are all about famished. John will help you as soon 
as he has finished unloading his waggons, and a capital assist- 
ant you will find him. In kitchen, house or dairy, John is at 
home, — a good servant.” 

The venison soon smoked on the table ; Mrs. Carruthera, 
pouted a little, but could not resist the savory odor ; and 
though she shuddered at the platter and shell goblet, she cer- 
tainly did not make a bad supper on venison and mahce cakes. 
Nanny in. the mean time fed the starved baby oji wa'^m milk, 
and it was soon asleep in its cradle. 

“ Now, gentlemen,” said the managing Mrs. Douglas, “ as 
you seem too much engaged with the good things before you, 
to think on the future, I must appeal to your hospitable boat 
and his intelligent family, for advice and assistance. What 
would you counsel us to do "? Can we procure mules and 
guides to enable us to cross the mountains ? A»d can we, for 
love or money, obtain provision to support us on the jour*, 
ney?” 

“ My dear lady,” replied Mr. Merton, we were compelled 
to cross these terrible mountains ; but it was at the rivk of 
our lives, even at a more favorable season. We can offer you 
no guide, we have but one mule, and, it would appear, we are 
the sole inhabitants of this remote district. I am not a man 
of energy ; I love peace and repose, which I find here, and 
offer to you. Why should you attempt this dangerous exp<^ 
dition I Why not remain with us ?” 

Mrs. Carruthers uttered a little shriek at this proposal. 

Oh ! Henry,” cried she, “I could not live in thb dull plaoo 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


18T 


tajce xuo place where I can have society, and, at least, 

the common necessaries of life.” 

I fear, fak- lady,” replied Dr. Lewis, “ that however our 
primitive style of living may offend you, you must remain 
here for some months. The Cordilleras will not be passable 
till the spring is advanced ; then, the passage may be effected 
without guides, but certainly not withont fatigue, difficulty, 
and peril. Mrs. Merton, a lady, tender and delicate as your- 
self, has been eompelled to rough it in the wilds, and I ap- 
peal to her to declare if her health is the worse for it.” 

“ On the contrary, my kind and judicious friend,” answered 
Mrs. Merton ; ‘‘ necessity, and your good advice, have induced 
me to use exertions, and brave difficulties, till I am no longer 
the feeble and helpless invalid I was when we left England. 
Then, I beiieved, that I could not exist if I did not recline 
half the day on a sofa j and now, having no sofa, I can sit on 
a skin-covered log, and have been glad even to find a stone 
for a seat. Stay with us, Mrs. Carruthers, and I trust that 
all your ailments will vanish under the care of Dr. Lewis, 
aided by our simple mode of living.” 

After the brothers had held a short consultation, Mr. 
Douglas answered for the party. “ For the present, my good 
friend, we must inevitably fling ourselves on your hospitality; 
we have no means of proceeding, and are ourselves, as well 
as our poor beasts, enfeebled by famine. I fear we shall 
make large inroads on your winter stores ; but I trust God 
will repay you, for you are literally feeding the hungry. 
Both Henry and myself feel our health shattered by the 
mental anxiety we have endured, for the last ten day espe- 
cially, and we shall be glad of repose for the mind as well as 
for the body. T cannot attempt to describe to you our utter 
bewilderment. I am quite persuaded that we frequently re- 
traced the road we had gone over the previous day, when the 
sun, which was our only guide, was hidden in clouds. The 
rascally guides had carried off a box which contained a com- 
pass, with some other scientific apparatus : we were lost ; and 
the despair produced by this conviction, nearly paralysed all 
our efforts. I communicated ray belief to Margaret, and I 
cjsrtarnly believe that we owe to her lively remonstrances, the 
courage which enabled us to proceed.” 


188 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


« It was truly a situation of horror,” added Mr. Carsu- 
thers ; “ and I shall never forget the gratlDatde wn felt, whc'-M, 
one evening, after fording with much difficulty a river, and 
ascending a rising ground beyond it, a mist, which had be- 
wildered us all day, was suddenly dissipated, and the beams 
of the setting sun revealed to us a grand and glorious spec- 
tacle. The mighty chain of the Andes, that marvellous wall 
of Nature, which we had longed to see, though still many 
leagues distant, was visible to us, darkening with its gigantic 
shadow, the country below it. The summits of the peaks, 
crowned with snow, glittered in the beams of the sun, with a 
sublime beauty that caused us for a short time to forget our 
desolation. W e then directed our course to the mountains^ 
and three days after, when exhausted hope and famished na- 
ture refused further exertion, we happily encountered God’s 
messengers of mercy, sent for our deliverance.” 

Supper being ended, Mr. Douglas turned to Nanny, and 
said: ‘‘Now, my good woman, as the child is sleeping 
peacefully, let us think about the beds. You will excuse 
me, Mrs. Merton, you are not very strong, and I must be 
doing something. Come away, young ladies, and help me 
to contrive ; and Mrs. Merton, with some wonder, but per- 
fect acquiescence, saw the bustling lady take all the trouble 
of the arrangements for the night intu her own hands. 

“Yery neat little cabins, upon my word,” said she, as 
she peeped into the small dormitories of her friends, “ but 
no spare beds I see 5 we must bivouac in the hall, and be 
thankful.” 

Alraagro had been assisting John to unload the waggons, 
and bring the contents within the inclosure, through tije 
narrow entrance of which it was impossible for the clnnjsy 
vehicles themselves to pass. They now entered tosugg-est, 
that his small hut, which was already roofed, though not 
intended to be finished and inhabited till the spring, should 
be appropriated to some of the party. This was agreed on; 
a good fire was lighted, skins spread on the fioor, and 
Charles, Tom, and Jack, with John and Almagro, took 
possession of the hut. The mattresses, cushions, and blankets 
were then brought from the waggons, and beds arranged 
for the wearied travellers, who were glad, after joining the 
family at their evening devotions, to retire to rest. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


1?9 


Mrs. Douglas appeared in the early next 'corning, 

“ to look after breakfast,” as she said. She found three 
girls returning from the corral with large bowls of new milk 
from the cows ; Nanny having l><?cn cr gaged in baking freoh 
maize cakes. 

“ Very nice looking cakes,” Sd.jd Mrs. Douglas ; ‘‘ but your 
flour is coarse, Nanny. How do you grind ir?” 

“ We just Wise it on a flat stone,’ replied Nanny. « A 
queer sort of mill ; but what matter? We are glad enough 
to get coarse flour for ourselves, — *md for them that needs 
it.” 

All things are good if we ;an get no better,” said Mrs. 
Douglas ; but if you can mend matters, the sooner you set 
about it the better. William!” she called, summoning her 
obedient husband froj his couch. ‘"‘We surely have the 
hand corn-mill in the waggon; will you go and inquire. 
You see, my dears, we wue cAiged to abandon half our 
property ; but, I think, my mill was brought away. It was 
my own plan to bring it out ; I did not know what strange 
spot we might settle on in the new country, and I determined 
to be provided against every emergency.” 

Mr. Douglas, at the conanaud of his ruler, had issued 
forth in the keen, frosty air cf the morning, and with the 
aid of John unpacked and I rought up the mill, which Mrs. 
Douglas exhibited to Nanny with ^eat triumph, and would 
have immediately tested its qualities, but the time was not 
convenient. The whole party had now, with the exception 
of Mrs. Carruthers, assembled ; and Mr. Merton conducted 
them to his chapel, where the travellers were glad to offer up 
thanks for their preservation. 

They returned to a breakfact of warm milk, clotted cream, 
and new bread ; the tea and sugar had been for some time 
exhausted. Mrs Douglas had ?ieut for her basket of china, and 
set out the table with cup^ and sau<e''S, instead of egg-shell 
bowls ; a change which deligWed 1Vl<*tilda and Mary, and as- 
tonished Maria, who now saw for the first time these luxuries 
of civilized life. 

“We have still half a ohest of China tea left,” said Mrs. 
Douglas, “ besides some of the yerbo, used at Buenos Ayres, 
to which Eliza took a fancy, but In mj opinio* it eannut be 
compared to tea. Of sugar we lave but a small quswitity, 


190 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


a:Kl the chocoUte was all used in the famine ; but whatever 
is left must be comaion piroperty, so, my dears, I invite you 
all to tl *s afternoon/’ 

The br:?thers being now satisfied that their further progress 
must be delayed for a consHerable time, the prudent heads 
were all called together, to make such arrangements as cir- 
cumstances permitted for the additional guests. It was 
decided that Almagro’s but should be completed, and fitted 
up for the residence of John and himself, and that a larger 
habitation should be immediately constructed for the rest of 
the party. 

“We have chests of tools,” said Mr. Douglas ; “ and I am 
no mean workman, having gone through a regular apprentice- 
ship as an engineer. Your woods offer us material, and, with 
§0 many willing hands, we shall soon run up a neat little hut, 
that we may rest in for a few months.” 

This was joyful news for Tom and Jack, who were ever 
ready for action. Not a moment was lost, all Mr. Douglas’ 
valuable chests of tools were transferred from the waggon to 
Almagro’s hut, which was to be the workshop, and the con- 
tents of these chests seemed to the delighted boys to be 
inexhaustible. 

“ Only think, papa!” cried Jack, in a state of great ex- 
citement, “ such boxes of nails, of all sizes ! and we have 
wished so much for nails ! And such a saw ! And then, Ma- 
ria, something you have never seen, something so useful, a 
wheelbarrow ! If you will give me leave, Mr. Douglas, I can 
just run down before dinner, and wheel up one of the book- 
cases, for poor Maria has never seen a wheelbarrow, nor, in- 
deed, a bookcase either, and she does love books so much 
since mamma taught her to read.” 

J ack was permitted to bring up the wheelbarrow, with the 
two small bookcases, which were placed in the hall, and both 
barrow and bookcases were duly admired by Maria. Jack 
would willingly have made another, experiment with his new 
toy, as Matilda called the wheelbarrow ; but dinner was on 
the table, and he was compelled to relinquish his amusement. 
Mrs. Carruthers was now reclining on a comfortable couch, 
made of mattresses, looking very miserable ; her misery being 
somewhat increased by seeing that everybody else looked so 
liaerpy. Mrs). Douglas was quite at home ; she had won over 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


191 


even Nanny, and had made with her own hands the excellent 
dish of hashed-venison, seasoned with Chili pepper, which the 
famised wanderers were now all enjoying, except Mrs. Carru- 
thers, who, though she had her own china plate, and drink- 
ing glass, eat her dinner thanklessly. 

The babe was already improved ; it was a pretty dark-eyed 
girl, and Mr. Carruthers was very anxious that it should be 
baptized ; therefore, after dinner, the whole party attended in 
the church ; even Mrs. Carruthers submitted to be carried 
there by her husband, to witness the solemn ceremony, and 
to offer up thanks for her safety. 

There had been some previous discussion about the name 
of the child, Mrs. Carruthers wishing it to be called Dolorosa^ 
indicative of its early sorrows ; Matilda, who had a taste for 
lofty sounding names, proposed Cordillera ; Mary, who had 
never seen any child so small and pretty, that of Titania , 
and Maria, considering only its present happiness, suggested 
Felicia; but Mrs. Douglas crushed all their prop osai^ 

‘‘Why should you not call the babe Martha?” sa’d .^e, 
“ after our own good mother ; it is a respect due to her me- 
mory, Eliza, and if God had given me a daughter, Martha 
should have been her name.” 

But Eliza shuddered at such pleoeian name, and finally 
compromised the matter by calling the child Cecelia, after 
mother of Mr. Carruthers ; and Matilda and Mary, with Dr 
Lewis, were allowed to be sponsors ; though there was smaL 
probability of circumstances permitting them to fulfil the du- 
ties of their office. Th refore, Mr. Merton, after baptizing 
the babe, in a solemn manner enjoined the parents to remem- 
ber that they were left witk the sole responsibility of the 
young Christian’s education for eternity ; and even the 
thoughtless Mrs. Carruthers was awed by the words of truth 
and holiness. 

In the evening, Mr. Douglas sketched a plan of the intend* 
ed building, which was on a )arger scale than the family could 
have previously attempted, with their limited resources. The 
door was to open into a spacious hall, or dinhag-room, on one 
side of which, towards the front, was the lacfles’ sitting-room, 
and on the other side a study for the gentlemen. The sleep- 
ing-rooms were behind theee, and a door at the back of the 
hall opened into a separate building, intended forT, lotchaa.. 


192 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


where J ohn was expected to fulfil his several duties, A col- 
onnade was to extend along the front, around the wooden pil- 
lars of which were to be twined the beautiful creeping plants 
which abounded in the woods. In the front of the house, 
Mrt). Douglas proposed with her own hands, to lay out a gar- 
den; she had brought with her boxes of seeds of English 
vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and she promised her friends 
to leave behind her as a memorial of her visit, the be- 
ginning at least of a pretty garden. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


Candle-making. The New Mansion and its Furniture. The Misfor 
tune of the Ball-dresses. Another Expedition on the Pampas. 
■^The Fields and the Garden. The alarming observations of Alma- 
gro. Preparations for a Siege. The Well and its utility. 

frost still continued, snow frequently fell during the 
and showers of rain in the day. There could be 
no hunting; but the building proceeded rapidly. Every- 
body was made useful, except the languid Mrs. Carruthers, 
who could only work at crotchet or embroidery. She cer- 
tainly could sing, and play on the guitar, and had brought her 
instrument with her, through all h 'r distresses ; but she had 
little pleasure in performing before such an unsophisticated 
audience. Matilda and Mary listened to her with delight, 
and Maria was perfectly enchanted ; but the lady was accus- 
tomed to flattery, and though Charles Villars still retained 
some of the exaggerated expression of the gay world, yet even 
he became weary of talking nonsense, and witnessing the in- 
dolence and affectation of Mrs. Carruthers. 

“ Pray, my dear Eliza,” said her husband, « indulge us with 
a little music to-night; we really require some amusement after 
% day of actual hard labor.” 

« I cannot sing and play in the dark,” replied she pettish- 
ly ; “ all my own wax-tapers are consumed, and it is impossi- 
ble -to “Bee with lhaft very disgusting looking lamp.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


193 


The lamp was not brilliant, nor particularly elegant — it was 
invented and constructed by Nanny, and was merely an os- 
trich egg bowl, filled with melted fat, in the midst of which 
was stuck a peeled rush, which emitted a feeble glim- 
mering. 

“ Remind me, my dear girls,” said Mrs. Douglas, “ early 
in the morning, and, if God spare me till to-moriow, we will 
have a candle making day. Peel your rushes, Nanny, and 
have them ready ; cotton is too scarce an article to be used 
for the wicks.” 

“ But my friends,” said Mr. Douglas, I cannot help fan- 
cying you ought to have the cotton shrub near you 5 but those 
knaves, who carried off my instruments, have left me in the 
dark about our certain position. At all events, boys, you 
must look about in the spring for the cotton -shrub, Gossypium 
— you will distinguish it by its large yellow flower, with a 
purple spot at the base of each petal.” 

“We are certainly not within the tropics,” said Lewis, 
“ beyond which I doubt the gossypium being indigenous. If 
we could procure the seed, I have no doubt we might be 
able to cultivate it in the long dry summer of this climate ; 
but, as that is not very probable, we must be content with 
our rushlights, and thankful for any improvement Mrs. Doug- 
las can suggest.” 

The next day Mrs. Douglas overlooked all the preparations 
for the candle* making. Nanny had a cask filled with the fat of 
the bullocks and guanacoes 5 but this cask was an inconve- 
nient utensil for the operation, and Mrs. Douglas despatched 
John to extract from the miscellaneous stores of the waggon 
a washing-tub. This was filled with melted fat, kept in a fluid 
state by being placed near a large fire. Then a number of 
peeled rushes of proper length were knotted along a straight 
pole, and suflfered to hang down ; they were made smooth and 
straight by drawing a little tallow over them with the finger 
and thumb, and then the whole were dipped in the fat, which 
adhered to them. The rod was hung up in the open air till 
the tallow stiffened, when a second dipping took place ; the 
process was continued till the candles attained the desirable 
thickness when they were removed, hung up in bunches, and 
a new set of rushes arranged. The manufacture was tedious, 
and by no means an agreeable employment ; but John was an 
13 


194 


ADVENTUBES AND WANDERINGS Of 


active assistant, Mrs. Douglas was never tired of useful work, 
and Nanny’s exertions and approbation were extreme. The only 
drawback to her gratification was the prospect of losing the 
useful tub when the rightful owner should leave Esperanza ; 
but Mrs. Douglas assured her that she waved all right to it, 
and when they departed the washing-tub should remain — a 
souvenir to remind Nanny of her friends. 

“ After this success,” said Mrs. Douglas, as they sat in the 
evening enjoying the comparative brilliancy of two rush can- 
dles, stuck in bamboos for candle-sticks ; “ after this, I think 
we may venture to try making soap. I know the process ; 
but I have always been able to send to the chemist’s for soda; 
and I wish some of you gentlemen learned in chemistry to tell 
me how I shall obtain it.” 

“ The barilla, or soda of commerce,” replied Tom, “ is, I 
know, obtained from the saholce^ which I have remarked fre- 
quently on the plains below the wood.” 

“ The salsolcE is found in extra tropical latitudes, scattered 
everywhere,” said Mr. Carruthers ; “ but to obtain the pure 
soda for soap, I fear a tedious process will be required. The 
plants should be dried and ’ burned, and should be rendered 
caustic by the addition of lime, which I understand you have 
not yet met with in the mountains. But perseverance and 
industry, such as you, ladies, have evinced, must overcome 
every obstacle ; and you shall have all the assistance my 
small scientific knowledge can give you.” 

“ But at all events,” said Lewis, the experiment must be 
deferred, for the barilla can only be collected at the end of 
summer ; Mrs Douglas must, therefore, write out the receipt 
for her young pupils.” 

In a month the neat dwelling for the strangers was built 
and thatched. Two small glass windows which had lighted the 
waggons were taken out, and fitted into the study and ladies’ 
room. In the midst of the hall was placed a small iron stove, 
which had also been used in the waggon ; it was of a new and 
excellent construction, and warmed the room perfectly, with- 
out the annoyance of the smoke which had offended Mrs. 
Carruthers so greatly in the parent dwelling of the settle- 
ment. 

The skill and ingenuity of Mr. Douglas and John, who 
were assisted by the willing boys, furnished the house with 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


195 


tables, and seats stuffed with hair and covered with skins. 
The bedsteads of hides stretched on four short poles were by 
( no means despicable, and the whole of the furniture was 
greatly superior to the rude attempts which the slender ap- 
pliances and unskilfulness of the first settlers had permitted 
them to make. The study was furnished with a small book- 
case filled with volumes on mechanics, mineralogy, and engi- 
neering, the property of Mr. Douglas, and a few works on natu- 
ral history and natural philosophy belonging to Mr. (Jarruthers. 
W riting desks, and a few useful instruments which had escaped 
the plunderers, completed the furniture of this room. The la- 
dies’ apartment had a cushioned couch, and the furniture of the 
travelling waggon, a few shelves of French and English novels 
belonging to Mrs. Carruthers, and the small library of Mrs. 
Douglas, consisting of a cookery-book, a work on gardening, 
Hume’s History of England, Shakspere, and a large bible and 
prayer-book. 

It was on a fine clear moi ning that the whole community 
assembled on the festive occasion of opening the new house ; 
breakfast, on an extravagant scale, was set out in the hall, 
consisting of tea, cakes, pigeon-pie, and real butter, made in 
a small churn destined by Mrs. Douglas for Chili. Even 
Mrs. Carruthers smiled as she took her seat at her own table, 
and looked on her healthy babe, crowing in the arms of its 
father ; and, on the strength of this dawn of harmony, Mrs. 
Douglas ventured to say, “ William Douglas, why should we 
risk a journey over these frightful mountains ? Why can you 
not dig mines on this side of the Andes, or cultivate the 
ground in this peaceful valley ?” 

But William Douglas and his brother knew well that the 
golden treasure of the Andes lay far north of the settlement, 
and they sighed over the incompatibility of the acquisition of 
wealth with that charming life of ease so tempting in this 
world of labor ; but, above all, Mrs. Carruthers protested au- 
grily against a residence in the desert. 

“ How can you, Margaret, expect me to remain,” said she, 
in a place where I never see any one : where I cannot go to a 
shop for anything I want ; cannot get a servant to wait on 
me ; where I am compelled to eat hard beef and coarse bread, 
and cannot even have a glass of wine, so necessary in my de- 
licate state. Above all, what was the use of bringing out 


196 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


ball- dresses from England, if I am never to go to a ball or a 
concert.” 

“ You may well ask what was the use of bringing such 
frippery,” said Mrs. Douglas ; “ better have brougnt a churn 
and a washing-tub, as I did, and see how useful they 
are to our kind benefactors. When you are a dozen years 
older, Eliza, you will know better the real utility of a ball- 
dress.” 

But Eliza wanted these twelve probationary years to com- 
plete her wisdom ; she was determined that her ball-dresses 
should not be wasted, and she gave her strong vote for the 
journey. 

3Ir. Douglas himself had a great taste for rural life. Mrs. 
Douglas was delighted with the Mertons and their pleasant 
home ; and Henry Carruthers, a man of refined taste and fond 
of stud^?, would have been content to settle in this quiet soli- 
tude ; but the ball-dresses turned the scale, and ELza 
won her victory. It was agreed that the passage of the 
Andes should be attempted, as soon as the spring ad- 
vanced. 

In the mean time the ladies rode out daily. John, whose 
talents were universal, made very good saddles covered with 
skins; and Niger, Dewdrop (late Vixen,) with the mule, were 
quite submissive to female control. Mrs. Douglas frequently 
rode out with her young friends, becoming more delighted 
with the charming scenery of the valley every day. 

As the river continued swollen and completely impassable, 
the gentlemen set out for a long expedition along the banks, 
which they had not yet fully explored. After crossing the 
valley, the river wound along the foot of the hills for some 
distance to the south ; then, rushing through a narrow 
gorge, it poured its waters into a large river on the Pam- 
pas. 

As they passed along, Mr. Douglas pointed out to his 
young friends the rich soil of the land which lay by the river, 
and recommended them to enclose and cultivate it. “ We 
can spare you as much wheat as will sow two acres,” said he, 
“ which in this fine climate will produce tenfold, and enable 
you next year to treble your space of tillage. You ought 
also to sow a quantity of maize in plots, and enclose and ma- 
nure some portions for pasture and meadow. This virgin soil 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


197 


offers incalculable wealth to the industry of man ; more, I ap- 
prehend, than the mountains will afford to the miner. 'Vou 
know the oft-repeated observation : ‘ If you work a copper- 
mine, you must get rich ; if you work a silver-mine, you may 
get rich ; but if you work a gold mine, you will certainly be 
ruined.’ iSow, if our golden speculations are likely to be- 
come a snare and ruin to us, we will fly to Esperanza ; you 
will take us in ; and we will try to forget those tempta- 
tions to evil, and seek with you the true treasures of the 
earth.” 

Henry Carruthers looked melancholy, for Mr. Douglas had 
spoken his own sentiments ; he loved to associate with the 
learned, scientific and refined, and he had no sanguine hopes 
of such society in Chili. He had no abstract love of gold, nor 
much desire for the pleasures gold can purchase. If he had 
been able to follow his own wishes, life in the wilderness, 
with the intellectual and happy Mertons, would have satisfied 
him j but then there arose the antagonism of the ball- 
dresses. 

They proceeded for several miles along the banks of the 
river till they reached the gorge ; and passing through it, 
left behind them the mountains which inclosed their happy 
valley, and came out on the Pampas. They continued along 
the river till, about seven miles from the settlement, they 
reached its confluence with a wide and deep river flowing in 
a south-east direction. They found the plains to the south 
somewhat scanty of wood, but rich in grass, on which several 
herds of wild cattle and horses were grazing. The horsemen 
set out on the chase, and were fortunate enough to take two 
young horses, which, they planned should be trained for the 
use of the travellers. They also killed a large bullock and 
a calf, and turned homewards, well satisfied with their day’s 
sport, and their extended knowledge of the country. 

Mr. Carruthers inquired why his friends did not attempt 
to form a wooden bridge across the river, to escape their 
irksome imprisonment when the water was impassable. 

You do not consider,” replied Lewis, “ that we should, 
by doing this, afford access to any wandeiing Indians; these 
marauders, doubtless, haunt the Pampas, but the river is an 
insurmountable obstacle to them. We are therefore content 
to ford the river in the dry season, and to confine ourselves 


198 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 


within its bounds, and rejoice in our security when it becomes 
unfordable.” 

“ I can scarcely fancy this foaming torrent can ever be 
forded,” said Mr. Carruthers ; “ its impetuous waters appear 
bent on continuing their course to the Atlantic.” 

“ Of the many rivers which flow from the Andes,” said 
Lewis, “ few, if any, are supposed to reach the ocean. They 
spread over the level Pampas and form lakes, or, are absorbed 
in the heat of summer.” 

“ I could not help thinking, Lewis,” said Tom, “ when I 
looked on the large river which swallows up our own stream, 
that if we were again to set out in spring, and keep along its 
banks, we might reach the coast of the Atlantic, and the 
dwellings of civilization.” 

“ I should by no means encourage, or like to share the 
experiment, Tom,” answered Lewis. “ The difficulties of 
crossing the unknown Pampas, with a large party, and no 
conveyances, would be at least quite as formidable as those 
we encountered in crossing the Cordilleras. Moreover, we 
should be in constant danger of encountering the tribes of 
Indians scattered over the plains. We are safer in our 
fortess, Tom. But see, here is more sport ; we must have a 
gallop after that drove of partridges.” 

The partridge, or quail of the Pampas, is a very silly bird ; 
these creatures are easily caught by riding round, driving 
them into a centre, and flinging the bolas or a small lasso. 
They soon caught nine or ten birds, and returned with some 
pride to show their spoil. 

The weather began to improve, and while the young horses 
were training, the operations of agriculture and gardening 
were not neglected. Beyond the inclosure several large plots 
were marked out and fenced ; ploughed with the large bone 
of a bullock, — for Mrs. Douglas had forgotten-,a ploughshare 
amongst her treasures, and then sown with potatoes, maize, 
or wheat. Some plots, covered with manure from the corral, 
were left for meadow. The gardens were laid out under the 
superintendence of Mrs. Douglas. Potatoes were flrst planted, 
that in case of marauders beyond the inclosure, they might 
not quite be bereft of this precious provision. Then rows of 
peas, beans, onions, turnips, and all the vegetables of Europe, 
were sown. Strawberries had in the autumn been trana- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


199 


planted from the woods ; and all the flower seeds they pos- 
sessed were sown, in hopes of some, at least, succeeding. 

Maria described so vividly a flower she wished for, which 
she named Fior di mortoy that they recognized it as the 
marigold ; and Jack sowed the marigold in Maria’s garden, 
inquiring how it obtained such a mournful name. Almagro 
explained that the Araucanians, the Chilians, and the Mexi- 
cans, believe that it sprung originally from the blood of the 
natives slaughtered by the conquering Spaniards ; hence they 
named the flower Fior di morto, a name adopted even by the 
Spaniards themselves. 

“ I like the dear old English hearts ease,” said Matilda, 
“ with all its quaint names, though some of them are perhaps 
melancholy.” 

‘‘ I think you are in error, my child,” said Mr. Merton. 
“ This flower of many names has truly no mournful allusions. 
It was originally named after St. Euphrasia, the interpreta- 
tion of whose name signifieth cheerfulness. And its more 
vsentimental appellation, ‘Love in idleness,’ recalls to us 
pleasant thoughts : the undying memories of Shakspere and 
the ‘ Midsummer Night’s dream.’ We see before us the 
glorious virgin Queen Elizabeth, turning aside the fiery shaft 
of love, and passing on, ‘in maiden meditation, fancy-free.’ 
Again, we mark, — 


, . * where the bolt of Cupid fell, 

It fell upon a little western flower, — 

Before milk-white, now purple with love’s wound; 
And maidens call it, Love in idleness.^ ” 


“ And though the French name of the flower, pensety 
thought, or consideration,” said Charles, “ may have a some- 
what dolorous sound ; yet it has still a merry association, for 
the modern knights of France, in adopting this flower for 
their device, add the motto : ‘ may it be far from thee.’ ” 

“ Then, Charles,” said Mary, I give the device and motto 
to you, — the most insociant knight I know ; and in compli- 
ment to you, I will try to cultivate the pensee beneath my 
lattice, like one of the ladies of the days of chivalry.” 

The gardens now laid out were rich with promises of a per- 
fect Eden, if the climate proved propitious. They only 


200 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


wanted roses ; and the sanguine Mrs. Douglas did not des- 
pair, if she could have procured them, of cultivating roses 
among the Andes ; and she promised, that if ever she should 
return to Esperanza, she would bring some roses to wind 
round the pillars of the colonnades. 

But in the midst of the cheerful labors of the whole 
party the keen eye of Mrs. Douglas had noticed a marked 
thoughtfulness in the countenance of Almagro for some days. 
He frequently held private conversations with Dr. Lewis, and 
the lady was persuaded he had some unusual care on his 
mind. He was still, however, continually employed, and 
having pointed out to Mr. Douglas the total uselessness of 
the wagons in crossing the mountains, he obtained permission 
to take them to pieces, and to bring them within the walls ; 
the wheels being too valuable, he observed, to be exposed to 
the risk of accidents. 

Mrs. Douglas reflected for a day on the change in Alma- 
gro ; and then, with her usual promptness, set about discover- 
ing the cause. She entered the hut where Dr. Lewis and 
Almagro were engaged in some engrossing discussion, and 
sa d, “ I insist on learning what conspiracy you two con- 
federates are engaged in ? I see something has gone wrong ; 
and if two heads are better than one, three heads must be 
better than two. Therefore I pray you, my good men, take 
me into council.” 

Dr. Lewis smiled at her request, and speaking a few words 
to Almagro in Spanish, he announced to the sagacious lady 
that she was admitted into council. 

He told her, that a few days before, Almagro had visited 
the Pampas by the way of the mountain gorge, and that he 
had remarked, on the banks of the river, the regular track 
of a line of horses, with the trace of the lance dragging by 
the side, a certain indication that a party of Indians had re- 
cently passed. He thought it scarcely possible that the new 
settlement should have escaped the observation of these keen 
and crafty marauders ; and he judged it expedient that the 
whole family should for some time seclude themselves within 
the fortress, and prepare for a vigorous defence, in case they 
should be subjected to an attack ; but, at the same time, 
Lewis had advised that they should avoid unnecessarily 
alarming Mr. Merton and the ladies. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


201 


Mrs. Pouglas received the information with firmness ; only 
asking what steps they had already taken, and suggesting, 
that as these robbers usually made their incursions in the 
night, their first care should be to set a watch. 

“ That has been already arranged, my dear colleague,” 
said Lewis. “ For the last two nights, John, Almagro, and 
I, have watched alternately, for two hours at a time. On the 
roof of his hut, Almagro has laid a platform, from which he 
can observe the whole extent of the valley, being himself 
concealed by the branches of the cactus. We mount to this 
observatory every half hour, but have not yet seen any trace 
of the enemy. In fact, unless they should invade us with a 
very large force, I have no fear of our dispersing them, for 
we can muster a tolerably strong party, and, with the addi- 
tion of your weapons, we are well armed.” 

‘‘Quite right,” answered Mrs. Douglas. “Decidedly we 
have nothing to fear from a surprise. Yes ; I approve of 
your prudence in keeping everything from the dear timid 
creatures, who could not help us in any way. But I see no 
reason why William and Henry should not be informed im- 
mediately. All ought to be in readiness, the plan of defence 
irranged, and the commander-in-chief appointed. Our waggon 
still contains a little armory, with powder and shot enough 
to extirpate a whole tribe of Indians. Then why delay an 
hour ? Why delay a minute ? Call up the forces, and make 
ready !” 

Though Dr. Lewis assured Mrs. Douglas he was in no 
dread of an immediate attack, yet stimulated by her ener- 
getic and prudent counsels, he called Mr. Douglas and Mr. 
Carruthers, with the three young men, into the hut, and 
made them acquainted with the observations and suspicions 
of Almagro. The intelligence caused a great sensation 
among them. Mr. Douglas and Mr. Carruthers were con- 
cerned, for they remembered their wives, and the baby. 
Tom was rather annoyed to be disturbed in his studies and 
pleasant rambles; but Jack and Charles, it must he con- 
fessed, forgot all their responsibilities in the charm of an 
adventure, and the prospect of fleshing their maiden swords. 

“ See how we will scatter the rascals !” cried Jack ; “ de- 
pend on it they will never pay us a second visit. Now for 


202 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


our plans : what do you say, Charles, shall we defend the 
fort ? or sally out, and put the besiegers to flight at once f” 

“ You will merely be steady, and obey orders, young 
men,” said Mrs. Douglas. “ It is very lucky for us that we 
are not compelled to choose such Hotspurs as you for 
leaders. I vote that Dr Lewis be appointed general of the 
forces.” 

The election was carried by acclamation, and Lewis, bow- 
ing very gracefully, addressed his little army. “ My brave 
soldiers !” said he, I entreat you to remember that we are 
now placed in a deeply responsible, though honorable, posi- 
tion. It is not alone our own lives and liberties, our own 
peace and wealth, that are at stake, but the security and the 
lives of those beloved friends who look to us for protection, 
and must perish without it. For their sakes we must be pru- 
dent as well as valiant ; and the remembrance of our Chris- 
tian profession will impress on us the duty of blending our 
valor with humanity. Let us never forget that these wretched 
heathen robbers are still our brethren ; and unless in defence 
of life, let us not take life. We must be firm, bold, and 
united, my dear friends, and, if possible, we must dismay, 
without destroying our foes. Let ‘ Union and Discipline!* 
be our motto ; and may God defend the right !” 

The speech was received with enthusiastic cheers, which 
brought out the ladies to inquire the cause of such unusual 
hilarity. It was for the gentlemen necessary to tell them 
that they were about to enrol themselves into a corps, and to 
undergo a course of drilling in the art of defence, in order 
that, in case of need, they might come out great warriors , 
and, as the subject of the roving Indians was often discussed, 
this preparation created no alarm. 

After the ladies had retired, Lewis said, “ My first order 
shall be that John continue the work we have interrupted 
with our council, for, if our fears are realized, it will be a 
work of great utility.” 

John had been employed in making some neat buckets of 
hide, with handles of the same material, to replace the clumsy 
vesstds of skin of their own rude manufacture, which the 
family had been glad to use for the purpose of bringing water 
from the river. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


203 


“We must immediately bring in a supply of water, and fill 
all our vessels,” said Lewis ; “ for secure as our fortress 
seems to be, a determined plan of firing it might place us in 
great peril, and we must be prepared to subdue the first ap- 
pearance of such a danger.” 

“ But, allow me to speak now,” said Mr. Douglas, “ on a 
project I have long had in my head, From certain appear- 
ances in a particular spot, near the corral, where a bed of 
clay certainly exists, I hope we may find water within the 
inclosure. Come with me, this is too important a matter to 
be longer delayed.” He immediately procured from his 
study a long iron rod, and, followed by the whole family, 
proceeded to the spot he had examined. He then bored the 
earth to the depth of five or six feet, and, on withdrawing 
the rod, the water sprung up, to the wonder and delight of 
the observers. Maria’s astonishment almost partook of 
terror at the unexpected result ; and Nanny declared there 
was something uncanny in Mr. Douglas seeing the water 
through the very ground 5 but Tom reproved their ignorance ; 
adding — 

“ It is a well known fact, that an underground stream flows 
in a descending course, till it meets with a bed of clay, which 
stops it, as water cannot pass through clay. Then, if the 
ground be opened at the spot where it has accumulated, it 
springs^ to use the common expression. I suppose, Mr. 
Douglas, we must now form a basin for this spring.” 

“ Yes, my good lad,” said Mr. Douglas, “ we must just 
dig a well, and line it with flag-stones. A pump is beyond 
our mechanical powers and means. But amidst our stores we 
have some hose, or leathern pipes, and John, from your stock 
of hides, will teach you to make more. These will be more 
serviceable than buckets.” 

“But now, the well! the well!” cried Jack, seizing a 
spade ; then putting it down, he added, “ but I have for- 
gotten, Field-Marshal Lewis has n J given the word of com- 
mand.” 

“ But he gives the word now, and sets the example,” said 
Lewis, beginning to dig vigorously. Working by turns, they 
soon formed a basin six feet deep, which was sufficient, as the 
water was so near the surface. Before night it was lined 
with stones, and the water had risen four feet in it. Then 


204 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


two large casks were carried up to Almagro’s observatory, 
and filled with water, by means of buckets drawn up. A long, 
flexible leathern-pipe was introduced into each cask, from 
which, in a descending position, the water might be showered 
upon, or over the fence. 

They worked so long and late, and slept so profoundly, 
that, even if the drowsy watch had not themselves been 
slumbering, they would have had much difiSculty in rousing 
and assembling the forces, had any suspicious circumstances 
rendered it expedient ; and Mrs. Douglas, who was the first 
to rise and observe the sleeping garrison, sighed over the loss 
of her faithful dog Wallace, which would have rendered any 
other watch unnecessary. Fortunately all remained quiet, 
and the refreshed troop assembled after breakfast to receive 
the instructions of their prudent commander, in case danger 
should arise ; and while Nanny and her young assistants were 
testing the grand utility of the “ wonderful well,” the troop 
were undergoing a drilling, that they might be ready to per- 
form their evolutions with promptness and regularity. 

The day was so spring-like that the young ladies were anx- 
ious for a long ride, and even Mrs. Carruthers, who had been 
riding within the inclosure for some days, on a gentle crea- 
ture which Charles Villars had named Mayflower, desired, on 
this day to wear a pretty riding-dress from her well-supplied 
wardrobe, and, attended by Charles, to make an excursion. 
Lewis had some difficulty in warding oflf this wish of his fair 
friends without alarming them ; but he determined that no 
one should leave the protection of the fortress for some days. 
At length Charles induced Mrs. Carruthers to be contented 
with a canter in that part of the inclosure which was not laid 
out in gardens ; and the lady was so pleased with her exercise, 
and with her pretty palfrey, that she declared if she could not 
have a carriage for her journey, she would like to make her 
entrance into a civilized country on Mayflower, rather than on 
a heavy, ugly mule. 

Mr. Carruthers observed to her that, besides the fact of 
Mayflower being totally unfit for such a difficult journey, she 
was the property of Mr. Villars, and must not be so uncere- 
moniously appropriated. 

« If Mrs. Carruthers will do me the honor to accept May- 
flower,” said Charles, « I will train it for the mountains, be- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


205 


fore the unhappy day when we must, I suppose, lose you 
all. 

“ But why should you lose us, Mr. Villars,” replied the 
lady ; surely you do not mean to waste your life in these 
dismal wilds ? Come'with us j you shall be our guide and 
protector over those terrible mountains, and you shall be our 
guest and our dear friend in Chili.” 

^ Charles smiled and thanked her, but did not accept her in* 
vitation ; he was a little undecided on the subject ; and he 
did not like to think about it. 


CHAPTER XVII I. 

The Night Attack. Wallace! The Brave Defence. Repeated at- 
tempts. The Water-engine. Dispersion of the Indians. Almagro’s 
Discovery. Origin of the Indian Tribes. Preparations for the 
Departure of the Visitors. 

The n’ght was so fine that Mrs. Douglas insisted on sharing 
the watch ; and Maria, to whom she had confided the great 
secret of the su.spected invasion, requested to be her com- 
panion. Warmly wrapped in their ponchos, they seated them- 
selves on cushions on the observatory ; and while Mrs. Doug- 
las continued with her usual volubility, to plan schemes of 
warfare, Maria, who had a poetic and enthusiastic imagination, 
was gazing on the stars, peopling them with countless multi- 
tudes, and lost in contemplation of the wonderful worlds her 
new education had revealed to her. Suddenly she started up, 
grasped the arm of Mrs. Douglas, and pointed in speechless 
terror towards a distant spot in the east. 

“ What has agitated you in this way, child said Mrs. 
Douglas, ‘‘ and why do you point at that dark, still 
wood 

“ Dear, dear lady !” exclaimed the excited girl ; “ see you 
not yon glimmering spot of light. That light is no star of 
heaven j it is the torch of the murderers, and we are all 
lost !” 


206 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Even Mrs. Douglas was silenced 5 she watched a few mo- 
ments, and then believed that she also saw a strange light. 
She left Maria, begging her to be prudent and watchful, and 
descended to rouse the warriors, who were soon assembled and 
prepared. Lewis then joined Maria, and distinguished too 
plainly the moving torches. 

No time was now to be lost. Mrs. Douglas undertook the 
task of preparing Mr. Merton and the ladies, and fortifying 
their courage with her own bold spirit. The guns were load- 
ed, the stations appointed, and orders and signals arranged, 
before the regular tread of the horses fell on their ears. Ma- 
ria still continued to act as sentinel, and rapidly communi- 
cated to those below the result of her observations. By the 
light of the torches she ascertained that the number of the 
horsemen was not more than twelve or fifteen. They 
were tall, dark men, clad in ponchos, and the leader was 
distinguished by long ostrich feathers streaming from hia 
head. 

A few moments more and all doubt was at an end ; for then 
the shrill whistling shriek was audible, which ever precedes the 
approach of the depredators, and which, despite of all prudence, 
proclaims their hostile intentions. Great was the confusion 
among the besieged ; there were palpitating hearts, faint cries 
from the house, and hurried preparations. At length all sub- 
sided into order, and they calmly waited the event. Maria 
announced that after riding along a great part of the inclosure, 
they had halted, as was expected, before the door, which had 
previously, by the aid of the waggon stores, been secured by 
strong iron bolts and bars. Here the robbers dismounted, 
and attempted in vain to force the narrow door, which, placed 
in a nich formed b^*^ the inclosure, did not admit any more than 
two or three to make the attempt. Finding this mode of at- 
tack hopeless, they gathered round the chief in consultation ; 
and then, for the first time, the besieged party heard a loud 
howling, followed by the sharp bark of a dog. 

“ That is the voice of my Wallace,” cried Mrs. Douglas 
rushing from the hut in great excitement towards the en- 
trance, where she stood crying out loudly, “ Wallace ! poor 
Wallace!” 

Apparently the dog recognised the voice, for he barked 
more vehemently; and many strange voices were mingled with 


THE MEKTON FAMILY. 


207 


the barking, encouraging the dog, it seemed, to some feat •, 
and this encouragement was successful, for, with a tremendous 
bound, the creature cleared the high door and alighted at the 
feet of Mr. Douglas, Nothing could exceed the delight of 
the huge dog ; he careered round his old friends, sprung on 
their shoulders, and greeted them, in his rough manner, with 
the earnestness of true attachment, and soon comprehending 
the tie that united his people to the strangers, he at once 
extended his friendship to them. 

In the mean time great confusion and astonishment reigned 
among the Indians, who had evidently expected good service 
from the dog, in d.smaying or disabling their opponents, and 
who appeared quite unable to account for the joyful and 
familiar barking of the ferocious animal, which they could 
not avoid hearing. 

“ I believe,” said Maria, ‘‘ that they fancy we are necro- 
mancers, and that we have cast a spell over the dog. They 
are afraid of us, and are mounting their horses and moving 
away.” 

But the Indians were not so easily discouraged as Maria 
thought ; they only rode round the inclosure, inspecting it 
carefully by the light of their torches, as if to discover a 
weak point. 

As they passed the corral, the inhabitants of that inclo- 
sure, were roused by the lights and unusual sounds, and a 
great noise of bellowing, bleating, and neighing arrested the 
Indians, and probably inflamed their cupidity ; for they once 
more rode to the entrance, now provided with large fragments 
of rock, with which it was plain they intended to force the 
door. This would have been a fatal disaster to the besieged, 
and the commander immediately placed Almagro and (’harles 
to guard this important point. 

A small loophole had previously been made in the fence on 
each side of the door, into which the ends of the rifles were 
introduced ; and when the assailants had raised their arms to 
discharge the huge stones, Maria made a signal, Lewis gave 
the word, and the two guards instantly flred, one after the 
other, both barrels of their rifles. These were certainly ran- 
dom shots, for they could not see their foes ; but, from Maria’s 
report, two men fell and were carried off by their companions j 
she observed, however, that these men were only wounded, 


208 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


as, after a little time, they were able, with assistance, to walk 
to thoir horses. 

A short time elapsed, and the resolute marauders again 
rallied, and rushing forward with several flaming torches, 
flung them into the hedge. This was the crisis Almagro and 
Lewis had dreaded ; but they had fortunately prepared against 
it. Mr Douglas and Lewis, mounted on the observatory, 
waited till the juicy stems of the cacti began to crackle and 
ignite, and all the Indians were gathered close to the spot to 
aid the progress of the flames ; then directing the short iron 
pipe, which was fixed to the end of the hose, to the rapidly- 
igniting hedge, they poured such a volley of water down, 
that they not only extinguished every torch and every spark 
of fire, but half drowned the assailants, who withdrew to 
some distance with loud, exclamations, uttered certainly in a 
tone of dismay. 

The light-hearted young soldiery were greatly inclined to 
laugh at this comic and easy discomfiture of the enemy, but 
the commander called them to order; and John pithily re- 
marked, that it was better not to crow till they were out of 
the wood. And certainly they were not yet “ out of the 
wmod though half an hour elapsed before the Indians had 
terminated a long consultation with the chief. Then Maria 
saw the white plumes coming forward again ; there were no 
longer any torches, and it was not till the party were close 
at hand that she saw, by the light of the stars, that the enemy 
were on foot, and armed with long lances. With these they 
began a furious attack on the fence, cutting and tearing 
away the branches with their hands, though not without 
many exclamations of pain, caused by the thorns of the 
cactus. 

And now Lewis drew up his whole troop in line opposite 
the assailed point ; the rifles were introduced through the 
branches, and two desperate volleys were fired, immediately 
succeeding each other, followed by three loud cheers from 
the brave little army. Loud groans and cries were heard, 
and Maria observed that the chief had fallen, and two men 
carried him off with mournful wails. Three men besides 
were borne away, wounded, if not dead ; then the whole 
party mounted and rode off slowly, carrying with them their 
wounded and dead. For a long time the victors, under the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


209 


command of their general, preserved a dead silence, to be 
assured all was safe ; and once, they even fancied they heard 
a groan, but Maria assured them she saw every man, dead or 
liv.ng, leave the spot, and as all continued dark and silent, 
they ventured to leave their posts and enter the dwellings. 

They found Mrs. Douglas engaged in attendance on her 
sister, who had been in hysterics the whole time of the ac- 
tion. Dr. Lewis undertook to manage the patient, and 
speedily cured her by the application of a bowl of cold water 
thrown over her ; a mode of treatment which was received by 
the lady with violent indignation, succeeded by tears and 
lamentations. 

“ Take me away, Henry,” cried the weak woman j I can- 
not bear to live in this place, where no one has any pity for 
me, and I run the risk of being eaten up by savages. I am 
weary of this dull, wretched, beggarly place, and I beg that 
we may set out to-morrow.’^ 

Henry looked much ashamed of his wife’s foolish com- 
plaints, and endeavored unavailingly to soothe her ; in which 
pleasing employment he was left by the rest of the party, 
who proceeded to the dwelling of the Mertons, where they 
arrived in time to kneel down and join in the good man’s 
thanksgiving to God for their deliverance from peril. 

“Come, Nanny,” cried Jack, “you must give us, brave 
fellows as we are, a second supper, or breakfast you may 
call it, for it will soon be daylight. And here is our dear 
little sentinel half frozen, must have some warm milk, and go 
to bed.” 

Nanny thought it n^) trouble to provide for all their wants ; 
she called them her honny bairns, her brave lads, a credit to 
Old England ; and in her softened state she even fed the 
gaunt, famished, gigantic Wallace ; the dog ate voraciously, 
and was then taken to the important entrance and tied up. 
Mr. Douglas assured them they needed no other guard, for 
this was a duty the dog had been always accustomed to and 
they were thus enabled to retire and obtain a short rest after 
their night of fatigue and anxiety. 

Early in the morning Lewis and Almagro mounted the 
observatory to reconnoitre the valley. All appeared as tran- 
quil as usual ; but as they were about to descend, Almagro 
pointed out a dark object at some distance from the gate, and 
14 


210 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


they both observed that it moved. They summoned Mr. 
Douglas, armed themselves, and cautiously unbarring the 
portal, proceeded to the spot. As they drew near they saw 
lying a wounded horse, scarcely able even to turn its head. 
Lewis found in its shoulder a serious, but he thought not a 
fatal wound, and he humanely brought the proper applica- 
tions, and dressed the wound of the suffering animal with as 
much care as if it had been a human creature. The horse 
seemed conscious that he was in friendly hands, and bore all 
the painful process with patience. The kind surgeon then 
administered a restorative mixture, and the animal soon re- 
vived sufficiently to rise, and walk with difficulty towards the 
stable of the corral. 

It was a noble animal, and from its decorations, and a long 
elegant spear which lay beside it, they concluded it must 
have been the horse of the fallen chief The bridle was 
ornamented with silver, and a saddle-cloth of white leather 
was richly fringed with silver ; over this was the skin of a 
jaguar, as a saddle ; and Almagro declared that nothing but 
the terror and confusion produced by the fire-arms, could 
have induced the Indians to abandon the valuable accoutre- 
ments of their chief’s horse. 

When they got the suffering animal into the stable, they 
made a bed of maize-leaves for it ; and Almagro relieved it 
from its gorgeous trappings. As the young men, who were 
now all assembled, were gazing with admiration on the noble 
horse, they were startled by a loud cry from Almagro, and 
turning round, were shocked to see him leaning against the 
railing that separated the stalls, pale^and trembling. For 
some time he could not speak, but he pointed out to Lewis 
on the embroidered saddle-cloth, the letters Z di V, worked 
in silver. 

“ This is the work of my lost child,’’ at length said the agi- 
tated man. “ Her mother taught her this elegant art, and from 
me she learned to form these letters ; and thus have I seen 
her oft embroider her poncho and her handkerchief. My 
Zaia lives, but where shall I seek her Alas ! alas! had I 
but suspected her fate when the robbers were in our power, 
we might have secured them, and compelled them to restore 
my child !” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


211 


They all tried to console their much-loved friend ; Mr. 
Merton even reprimanded him for ingratitude to God, by 
Tvhose mercy the life of his daughter had been saved. And 
Dr. Lewis pointed out to him, that even if she were a slave, 
it was plain Zara was employed in no menial capacity, or 
she could not be able to practise the delicate art of embroid- 
ery. He encouraged Alniagro to hope they might yet meet 
and be happy, for the Spanish girls were generally well 
treated by the Indians. 

But it required time to compose the mind of Almagro, 
after this revival of his sorrow ; and they left him alone, 
contemplating the work of his child, and returned again to 
the field of battle. Here they picked up two more lances, 
and to their great astonishment a small silver flask, filled with 
water. When Mr. Douglas saw it, he immediately claimed 
it, as part of the property which had been carried off by the 
unprincipled guides. How the flask and dog fell into the 
hands of the savages was an enigma they could not solve, but 
they all agreed that the recovery of Wallace was of much 
more importance than that of the flask. 

Though they were for some time cautious of venturing far 
from the fortress, yet the general opinion was, that the In- 
dians would certainly not return after the experience they had 
had of the fire-arms of their adversaries. And they now en- 
joyed peaceful rest, relying emirely on the vigilance of Wal- 
lace. After a week of undisturbed tranquility, the family 
returned to their usual pursuits ; and though they could not 
forget the Indians had visited them, they no longer feared for 
the future. 

“ Is it possible, papa,” asked Tom, “ that these Indians can 
be in a purely savage state. Surely they must have some 
traditions of the great events of the Creation and the Deluge, 
if they are, like ourselves, the descendants of Adam. And 
if they were of the first people, how did they come from Asia 
to America ? And how did they degenerate from the intel- 
ligence of the patriarchal times to this barbarous and degraded 
state ?” 

‘‘You have broached a question, my boy,” replied Mr. 
Merton, “ that has long been asked deridingly by the ignorant 
sceptic. The faithful believer in the divine revelation sees, 
in all the works of God, the beautiful order and haimony 


212 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


that strikingly confirm the wonderful history of the creation, 
and which declare that we are all of one blood ; as 8t. Paul 
says, God has made all nations of men. Truly, we are all the 
children of the first man, Adam.” 

“ Then I suppose, papa,” said Jack, “ the people of Asia, 
the first inhabited part, would increase and spread to the 
east, and then they must have built ships, and come over to 
America.” 

“No doubt. Jack,” said Mr. Carruthers, “you are right; 
but the first sailing vessels could hardly be called ships ; they 
must have been rude rafts or skin canoes : the latter are used 
to this day by the half-torpid Fuegians at the south of Amer- 
ica, and the scarcely more intellectual Esquimaux at the 
north. But even these primitive contrivances would enable 
the restless or the inquiring inhabitants of the early world 
to cross the strait at the north of the two continents, which 
is so narrow that, from the islands which lie in it, you can at 
the same time look on Asia and America ; and, in fact, these 
islands are so closely scattered, that it has been a question 
where Asia ends and America begins.” 

“ I know an easier plan still for coming to America,” 
said Jack, “ and that is, over the ice of the frozen ocean.” 

“ In the stern winters of the polar regions,” answered Mr. 
Merton, “ that cannot be a difficult undertaking ; and the 
Esquimeaux doubtless visit both continents over the ice.” 

“But do not the features, the color, the habits, customs, 
and language of the American Indians differ essentially from 
those of the people of Asia inquired Tom. 

“ In physical conformity,” replied Lewis, “ the races of 
North-West America are identical with those of North-East 
Asia. From the north the people have gradually progressed 
southwards, losing as they descended, in their wandering and 
precarious life, the noble and intellectual qualities of their 
ancestors.” 

“ But how strange it is, Dr. Lewis,” said Matilda, “ that 
men of one parentage should be of such dis-similar com- 
plexion.” 

“ I believe, my dear Matilda,” replied Lewis, “that the 
color of the skin depends entirely on climate. In the re- 
gions of the tropics we find the native black races j the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


213 


colder, temperate climates are inhabited by those of fair com- 
plexion, and the intermediate nations are brown or olive.” 

“ Still, Lewis, I cannot see how the wandering life of these 
Indians should destroy their hereditary intellectual powers,” 
observed Tom. 

“ We must ascribe their contracted intellect and their 
savage customs,” replied Lewis, “ chiefly to the wild mode 
of life they must necessarily be driven to, remote from all 
established seats of civilization ; when the wants of nature 
being supplied by much bodily labor, but a small exertion 
of mental energy, the glorious powers of the mind become im- 
paired for want of exercise, and sink into a dull or torpid 
state.” 

‘‘Surely, Mr. Villars,” said Mrs. Carruthers, yawning, 
“ you do not feel any interest about these degraded creatures, 
whom I cannot recognize as belonging to humanity, and to 
whom any allusion makes me shudder.” 

“ Y ou must forgive me, Mrs. Carruthers,” replied Charles, 
“if I feel a little curiosity about my fellow-countrymen ; for 
T, like them, though a South American born, sprung from a 
race of civilized strangers ; and who can tell but my descend- 
ants may, in the course of ages, become barbarous wander- 
ers in these wilds, like our late dark-countenanced visitors.” 

“ How can you speak in that alarming manner, Charles 
Villars,” said the lady ; “ you, with your wealth, and youth, 
and gaiety, can never for a moment think of establishing 
yourself for life in these gloomy wilds. Keturn with us’ to 
the pleasures and even to the necessaries of life. I quite 
pine for my usual cup of chocolate and rusk before I dress in 
the morning, and for my glass of iced champagne and slice of 
pine apple at dinner. Margaret knows I never could eat 
beef or drink milk till necessity compelled me.” 

Charles evaded Mrs. Carruther’s request, for though he 
had by no means decided to remain for life at Esperanza, he 
was far from wishing to be in attendance on the troublesome 
lady during her journey. 

“ Do not delude yourself, madam,” said Mr. Merton, 
“ with the belief that you are not of the same race as the 
wild Indian and the enslaved negro. All Histories, natural 
and civil, testify the great fact, that mankind were descend- 
ed, as the Mosaic records declare, from one family. All na* 


214 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


tions and all people still have a veneration for an unknown 
and Superior Being, and all preserve some wild traditions, 
too frequently distorted by time, of the world created from 
chaos, the first man, his sin and fall, the deludge, and the 
promise of life beyond the grave. Fiom one extremity of the 
earth to the other, all men, however contracted in intellect, 
believe in the immortality of the soul ; all look forward to a 
future state ; all hope that future will be a happier state. 
'I'he unenlightened savage regards skill in hunting or success 
in war as the passport to eternal happiness. Still he acknow- 
ledges this reward for his merits as the gift of the Great 
Spirit. And thus did error, founded on truth, pervade the 
whole world, till God graciously sent his Son to redeem us by 
h s blood, and to point out to us the way of salvation ; com- 
manding his ministers, from generation to generation, to go to 
all natioMS, and to pour into the heart of the heathen the light 
of the great mystery ef love,” 

The winder had passed away rapidly and profitably, and 
spring now lighted up the valley. The deciduous trees, 
bursting into leaf, looked bright amongst the dark and gloomy 
evergreens. The river was swollen considerably by the 
rapidly 'dissolving snows of the mountains, and confined the 
hunters within its bounds ; but they daily netted, and brought 
out an immense quantity of fish. The wheat and maize had 
sprung up luxuriantly, and the seed potatoes were now plant- 
ed in a small inclosure. The gardens were cultivated with 
care and neatness, and a promise of plenty cheered the young 
laborers. 

But the parting with their friends was a melancholy pros- 
pect. Mr. Merton loved the society of the gentle and highly 
educated Henry Carruthers ; the young men were forever at 
the side of the practical and active Mr. Douglas. John, the 
useful John, who assisted everybody, and played on the fiddle 
to amuse everybody, would be a great loss. Mrs. Douglas, 
busy, clever, and kind-hearted, would be regretted by all, 
even Nanny wept at the thought of parting with her ; above 
all, Mary was in despair that she must loose her darling little 
Cecilia. 

“ Oh ! you are welcome to keep the babe,” said the care- 
less mother. “ What could I do with her on the journey. 


THE MERTON EAMILY. 215 

without a nurse 'I I, that am scarcely strong enough to dress 
myself.’* 

Henry Carruthers looked deeply distressed at the heartless 
offer of his wife to leave her child ; he took up the sweet 
babe and kissed it to hide his emotion. 

“ Make the best of it, Henry,” said Mrs. DouglaS; in her 
usual kind tone of authority. “ It will be a sorrowful task for 
you to part with your darling ; but better to reflect that it is 
well and happy than to risk its precious life in the journey. 
Let the good little nurse keep her pet ; it will be another in- 
ducement for us to return to visit our hospitable friends.” 

“ Henry can come after we are settled in Chili, and bring 
Cecilia to me,” said Mrs. Carruthers, pettishly ; “ for my part, 
I shall certainly not return to this dull place.” 

And thus it was settled that the little Cecilia should re- 
main at Esperanza. Mrs. Carruthers proposed that Matilda 
should accompany them to Chili, as.suring Mrs. Merton that 
she was committing an act of great injustice in detaining a 
girl of Matilda’s age in such a solitude ; it was quite neces- 
.sary she should be brought out, and this was her only chance 
of being introduced into society. Mrs. Merton looked at her 
husband in silent terror; Matilda was much agitated, Mary 
and Maria burst into tears. Jack spoke first, — 

‘‘ I cannot see any fun in balls and parties ; and I know 
very well Matilda will say she w'ould rather dance on the 
grass-plot, to the merry sound of John’s fiddle, than be 
dressed up to dance among strangers, who care nothing for 
her.” 

Matilda did not long hesitate. “ Do not look concerned, 
dear mamma,” said she. ‘‘ Do you think I could leave you i 
I am much obliged to Mrs. Carruthers ; but I could never be 
happy separated from those I love.” 

The three girls embraced each other, delighted they were 
not to be separated, and Mary said : “ And I know cousin 
Charles will not leave us either ; he loves dear Esperanza 
too well.” 

And Charles was astonished to find that he really did love 
Esperanza, with all its privations, too well to leave it for a 
life of pleasure and ease. He declined to forsake his friends, 
but Almagro, the ever-obliging and unvselfish Almagro, un- 
dertook to accompany the stranger.^, and, with his experience 


216 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

and sagacity, to assist them in overcoming the diflScnlties of 
the unknown and perilous route. It was necessary to wait 
till the river had somewhat subsided ; and while the prepara- 
tions were going on, Almagro undertook to try the water 
daily, and to report when it might be forded. 

The two mules and the horse, which Mr. Douglas had 
brought from Buenos Ayres, restored and invigorated by their 
long repose and good food, were destined to bear Mr. Car- 
ruthers and the two ladies. Mr. Douglas, Almagro, and 
John, were mounted from the corral ; and Niger, with Alma- 
gro’s mule, the steadiest and most experienced animals of 
the stud, were to be laden with the provisions and other ne- 
cessaries for the comfort of the travellers. Mr. Douglas de- 
cided to leave his books and valuable instruments, till, the 
ladies being safely placed, he could return with proper bag- 
gage mules, to transport the heavy goods over the mountains. 
And thus, as Jack said to Nanny, they had the use of the 
wheelbarrow and the churn for an indefinite time. 

Large sk n bags, convenient for slinging over the mules, 
were filled with pieces of salted beef, charqui, maize cakes, 
and salted butter, — all the provision the settlers had in their 
power to bestow on their friends. Water was never wanting 
in the Cordilleras, especially in the spring, when every crevice 
formed a ‘streamlet for the melted snow. 

When the bustle of preparation was past, the pain of part- 
ing became more oppressive ; but the river being now passa- 
ble, the day of departure was fixed. Mrs. Douglas was (|uite 
overcome with her sorrow at the last moment, for she was 
truly attached to the Mertons ; she begged them to use her 
stock of linen and furniture, which she was compelled to 
leave behind her, as freely as if they were their own. Mrs. 
Carruthers insisted on taking her portmanteau and boxes, 
which were a sufficient load for one mule ; and the mattresses, 
blankets, and covering for a tent, which was intended to be 
raised on two long Indian lances, were a great addition to 
the provision-bags for poor Niger to carry. They had all 
lances, knives, and rifles ; and Mrs. Douglas, at her own par- 
ticular request, was armed with a pair of pistols. 

At the last, even Mrs. Carruthers was afiTected at parting 
with the pretty Cecilia. She wept bitterly, declared the 
journey would certainly kill her, and that she should never 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


217 


fiee ner babe more ; and as her last injunction, sbe begged 
Matilda would teach the child music, even making the sacri- 
fice of leaving her guitar for the purpose. Matilda had 
learnt to play tolerably well from the instruction of Mrs. Car- 
ruthers, the only benefit, since her arrival, that she had con- 
ferred on the community. 


CHAPTER XIX 

The Departure of the Strangers. The Birds and Flowers of the 
Pampas. The Indian Chase, and the Escape across the Ftiver. 
The Gardens and Fields. Building a Brick Oven. The Hollow 
Tree and its Inhabitants. Hay-making, 

Once more the old waggon was mounted on the wheels, 
that Mrs. Doirglas and her sister might make a day’s journey 
in it. The parting from Esperanza was painful ; but the 
young men set out to escort them for some miles. Jack 
acted as driver, the others rode with the gentlemen ; and on 
a balmy spring morning they crossed the rushing river, and 
pa.ssed over the high hills till they reached the Pampas. 
Thence taking a northern direction, they proceeded easily 
with two good horses, but in a melancholy manner, for about 
fifteen miles, when it was necessary to separate, that the set- 
tlers might return with the waggon. This was the most pain- 
ful parting, for the wanderers literally knew not where to 
turn, nor what dangers they might blindly rush into. The 
ladies mounted their mules reluctantly, and Mr. Douglas pro- 
posed that they should still continue to traverse the Pampas 
to the north, till they fell in with some track that might 
tempt them to commence the ascent. 

The homeward-bound party turned back dejected and 
silent ; it was not the least of their afflictions that they must 
for an indefinite time be parted from their faithful friend 
Almagro, the most experienced and useful member of the 
community. But the charm of passing over new ground in a 
new season at length amused and consoled them. A fresh 


218 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


breeze wafted to them the reviving odor of the mint, scattered 
over the slopes, while beyond rose steep above steep ; fragrant 
with the new budding foliage in the lower parts ; and higher, 
rising to those mighty walls that seemed to shut out the 
world beyond them. 

In the lower declivities, richly clothed with lofty trees 
bursting into leaf and knitted together with graceful llianes, 
were assembled multitudes of birds, of glorious plumage, 
sporting, chattering, and whistling, while the pretty, quiet- 
looking mocking* bird, was repeating like an echo all tlie 
various notes. 

“ I should like above all things to possess that curious 
creature,” said Tom. “ I suspect it is the Orpheus Patago- 
nicus, the mocking-bird of the southern plains ; I should be 
glad to observe it at leisure. Could we not capture, without 
destroying it 

No, no !” said Lewis, “ We will not become slave-owners 
in this strange land. Let the pretty denizens of the woods 
sing in peace and safety. We have no more right to ensnare 
the mocking-bird for our amusement, than we have to kill one 
more creature than is necessary for our subsistence, or for 
our safety.” 

‘<At all events, Lewis,” cried Charles, “ Here is something 
that may be useful to us,” pointing to a pair of ostriches on 
the plains. Away flew the two well-mounted hunters, but 
Tom and Jack, the charioteers, were compelled to remain 
with their charge ;. luckily, as they went slowly forward, they 
passed the nest of the ostrich, from which they took a dozen 
eggs, still leaving as many to hatch ; and were thus more for- 
tunate than their friends, who returned, somewhat crest-fallen, 
after an unsuccessful chase. They next sent their bolas after 
the parrots, and procured as many as they wanted for provi- 
sion ; and one noble green bird, which was caught with no 
other injury than a broken wing, was carried off by Jack to 
present to Maria, who ardently desired to have a parrot 
to teach. Tom, in the mean time, collected large bunches 
of gay geraniums, the pink-wood sorrel, and the mnothercEf 
to delight his sisters with the flrst spring-flowers of their new 
home. 

As they crossed a little mountain streamlet, which, lower 
down, expanded itself into a miniature lake on the plain, they 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


219 


<saw with much pleasure, on the rushy banks, various broods 
of water-fowl. There were several species of wild ducks, and 
flocks of a long-legged plover, which Tom and Lewis re- 
cognised as the Hymantopus nigricollis ; the cry of these 
birds resembled that of dogs in chase, and diverted the boys 
greatly. Another bird had the cry of the peewit, and some 
resemblance to it ; but Lewis, who said the bird was the 
Vanellus cyanus^ pointed out as a striking distinction that 
the wings were armed with sharp spUrs. The bird affected 
lameness, and flew about to draw the intruders from its nest, 
but they discovered it, and took some of the eggs, which 
Lewis assured them were as good as those of the plover. 

In the pursuit of the water-fowl they had deviated con- 
siderably into the plain ; and Lewis, reminding them of the 
anxiety of those at home, urged them forward ; and taking out 
his glass to ascertain how far they were from the morning 
track, sweeping also the plains to the east, he suddenly cried 
out," ‘‘A large body of Indians are advancing, release the 
horses, and mount them. We must abandon the waggon, and 
gallop forward ; we may yet escape an encounter.” 

In a moment the horses were unhooked, the harness 
gathered up, the boys mounted, and galloping off; not with- 
out a pang at leaving their waggon, all the acquisitions of 
the day, and even the pretty parrot. 

They fled with all the speed their wearied horses could 
use, seeking when they were able the shelter of the trees, 
and not even pausing to look behind them. They were within 
a mile of their own river, when the poor horses being totally 
overcome, they were compelled to rest under the protection 
of a clump of tall pine-trees; and took the opportunity of 
reconnoitering the country between the branches. The youths 
were sanguine that they had distanced the Indians, for no 
traces of them were to be seen ; but Dr. Lewis was less 
satisfied. He was convinced that if the marauders reached 
the abandoned waggon, they would immediately track the 
fugitive owners ; and he felt great anxiety to reach the river. 
Seeing the horses were in a condition to proceed, he called to 
Jack, who was looking through the branches. “ I am watch- 
ing a herd of noble wild horses on the plains behind us,” said 
the boy, ‘‘ Do wait, Lewis, till I get a fling at them, with my 
bolas.” 


220 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Lewis turned uneasily to look towards the spot; and im- 
mediately cried out, Quick ! quick ! to horse I Our foes aro 
upon us !” 

They sprung upon their saddles, and started off at full speed. 

“ This is a rus^ continually practised by the Indians,” said 
Lewis as they proceeded. “ They suspend themselves by one 
arm round the neck of their horses, and hang crouched be- 
neath them. The animals then have the appearance of a 
troop of wild horses, but the regular pace and order revealed 
to me that we were pursued. Have your rifles ready, my 
boys, but let no one tire till I give the word ; and then only 
one barrel. We must keep the second in reserve for the last 
extremity. God send that we may not need all our re- 
sources.” 

I fear they are gaining on us,” said Jack ; “ they are 
terrible opponents on those swift animals.” 

“They are, indeed. Jack,” replied Lewis; “thus the 
horses which the cruel and mercenary Spaniards first intro- 
duced, now swarming over the Pampas in a wild state, form 
a powerful force against the very descendants of the men who 
introduced them ; and the poor Guacho, in his lonely hut, 
suffers for the sins of his fathers.” 

They had reached within a hundred yards of the river, 
which Lewis was not sorry to observe was greatly overflowed, 
when they saw the Indians, about twenty in number, armed 
with long spears, sitting upright on their horses, within fifty 
yards of them ; and they now uttered the extraordinary 
shriek which proclaims their hostile intentions. Lewis called 
out to his friends to hasten on ; then suddenly wheeling round 
himself, he took deliberate aim, and shot the horse of the 
leader dead. 

There was a momentary delay, for the Indians crowded 
round to see if their companion was hurt ; and Lewis, profit- 
ing by the pause, fled after his friends, and before the robbers 
came up, the young men had plunged into the river, which at 
that spot, where the banks were nearly level, was now about 
two hundred feet broad, but not more than five feet dee^ in 
any part. The wearied horses seemed to revive when they 
entered the cool water, and plunging and swimming they soon 
reached in safety the opposite banks. The fugitives then 
rested a few moments, and looking back, they saw their 


,THE MERTON FAMILY. 


221 


pursuers standiug gazing on the river, and chattering loudlj 
and angrily ; but evidently having no intention to cross the 
water ; an exploit which Lewis was aware these people have 
much fear of. 

Jack declared that he recognised the white horse which 
Lewis had shot, as one of the animals which had been at the 
“ siege of Esperanza.” The light color had enabled them to 
distinguish its form and peculiarities, even in the dim light 
afforded by the torches. 

“ I believe, indeed,” said Lewis, ‘‘ that these men belong 
to the same tribe as our unpleasant visiters j and I fear they 
must have their tents not far off, in which case we may see 
them again. We must therefore only leave home together, 
and well armed ; and we must caution the young ladies with- 
out alarming them.” 

“ Do you think, Lewis,” said Charles, “ that it might 
be possible to form an amicable treaty with the Indians ? 
It is a vexatious annoyance to us, and a continual anxiety 
to our dear girls, to be constantly dreading these terrible 
visits.” 

I wish it could be done, Charles,” replied Lewis ; “ but 
I see many difficulties. A deep feeling of revenge is im- 
planted in their very nature against ‘ los Ckristianos,’ as the 
Spaniards, and with them all Europeans, are called. The 
implacable feeling is perpetuated from father to son, as they 
repeat the traditions of the spoilers and usurpers of their 
lands, who, it is too well known, slaughtered them without 
mercy, and tyrannised over those whom they spared for 
slavery. This hereditary hatred it will require ages entirely 
to subdue ; for even the pious and faithful missionaries, who 
have ventured fearlessly among them to teach the peaceful 
religion of Christ, have, in many instances, fallen martyrs in 
their sacred duties.” 

“ We must just try to catch a young savage, and bring him 
up like Friday,” said Jack; “and then we can send him 
back as the schoolmaster.” 

The youths laughed at Jack’s plan as they rode up more 
leisurely to the inclosure. “ A pretty figure we shall cut,” 
paid Jack, “ slinking home, with the loss of our precious 
vaggon and all its contents. Above all, to think of being 


222 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


robbed of that beautiful parrot. Charles, you may go first *, 
for I am ashamed to show my fiice.” 

They made the best report they could of their adventure, 
treating it lightly; but still the dread it created, caused many 
an anxious hour, and many a sleepless night, notwithstanding 
their reliance on Wallace, who had been left with thepi, as 
his enormous appetite would have seriously drained the stores 
of the travellers. And even Wallace sometimes roused them 
to arms, when it was found out that the enemy was only a 
hungry puma, lurking about the fence near the corral. 

A month passed away and Almagro did not return ; but 
all continued quiet at the settlement. The wheat and maize 
were prodigious crops, and already in ear ; the vegetables 
were excellent, and were daily brought to table ; and the 
flower-garden was resplendent with the European favorites, 
and with the verbenas, the lovely yellow ocnotheras, and 
several graceful climbing plants which they had brought from 
the woods. The beds of scarlet strawberries were already 
ripening, and the groves of peach-trees were glorious with 
their purple blossoms. 

One might fancy oneself at Winston,’’ said Nanny, as she 
placed on the table a couple of the wild ducks of the river, 
dressed with onions ; and a dish of green peas. Only I 
never can get used to such topsy-turvy ways as peas and 
berries, and garden-stufip coming on, when we ought to be 
looking for Christmas.” 

It was impossible to give Nanny any notion of the cause 
which produced the inversion of seasons in the southern 
hemisphere, though Matilda labored to instruct her ; but she 
had become reconciled to the spot, and since she obtained a 
churn, perfectly contented. And but for the apprehension 
of the Indians, and a little uneasiness about the long absence 
of Almagro, the family would all have been happy. No one 
was ever idle ; they had now, with the addition of the books 
left by their friends, a respectable library. Mr. Carruthers 
had also given them a quantity of writing materials, and 
they were enabled to pursue their studies regularly and 
profitably. Maria evinced excellent abilities for learning, 
and was the pupil of her sisters, as she called them. In the 
evening they played on the guitar, or danced to the music 
of the fiddle v lich John had left in charge of his pupil 
Jack. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


22P. 

They had collected a large quantity of the cochineal insect 
from the leaves of the cactus, these were pressed into cakes, 
and used for dyeing the wool they spun ; and in this delight- 
ful season, the sisters had their loom in the colonnade, and 
were weaving a carpet, in stripes of black and scarlet, for the 
sitting-room of the new house. 

I am thinking, (lharles,” said Tom, as they stood watch- 
ing the busy weavers, “ that we ought to begin some new 
work. What do you think of making bricks of the clay 
which the receding waters have left on the banks of the river ? 
T mean, of course, the sun-dried adopes.^^ 

“You must really excuse me, Tom,” answered Charles. 
“ Doubtless the thing might be accomplished, but my educa- 
tion never gave me any notion of brickmaking, and I confess 
to having no taste for the noble art. Nor do I see the utility 
of the undertaking, unless you contemplate also the erection 
of a regular brick mansion.” 

“ I don’t think we could manage that, Charles,” said Tom ; 
“ but I do believe, that if we could make the bricks, I could 
plan a proper, oven, such as Almagro has described to us ; 
but then. Jack and I could not do all the work ourselves.” 

“But we will all help you,” said Maria; “Jack shall 
teach us, and we will spare no labor to have a real oven.” 

^ “ I will willingly assist,” added Matilda, “ if Dr. Lewis 

thinks that bricks can be made here, and that our assistance 
would be proper and useful.” 

“ Of course, Matilda, we can be useful,” said Mary ; “ we 
can fill the little box with clay, smooth it with a flat bit of 
stone, and then turn the brick out to dry. I have seen even 
little children, in the brick-fields in England, busy at such 
work. Come, Master Charles, put on your gloves, and help 
the mechanics.” 

Charles soon agreed to join the laborers ; Lewis pronounced 
the plan practicable ; so the young men went to the carpen- 
ter’s shop, and made some neat boxes of the proper size for 
the moulds. This was no difficult task for them now, for the 
instruction of Mr. Douglas and much practice had made 
them fair workmen. Early next morning they set seriously 
to work, and continued brick-making till they had spread out 
in the sun some thousands of bricks. 


224 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Then the spot for the oven was marked out on a piece of 
vacant ground a few yards behind the kitchen of the new 
house, and a few days having rendered the bricks sufficiently 
hard for their purpose they began to build. They formed a 
solid square of bricks, cemented with the moist clay, of about 
three inches high and four feet square. On this was raised 
the oven, which was of a cupola form, and was so difficult to 
construct that many failures ensued; but the patient work- 
men persevered, and after much time was spent it was com- 
pleted. An opening was left for the introduction of the bread 
to be baked, a smaller one at the side, for the removal of the 
ashes, and at the top was a sort of chimney. They suffered 
their erection to remain some days to dry in the sun before it 
was dried. Then Nanny made her cakes, though with much 
distrust and grumbling, while the young men heated the 
oven, by keeping up a fire on the floor of it, and closing the 
openings with bricks, which were removed when the oven 
was sufficiently hot ; the ashes were then swept away, the 
the pies and cakes placed within it, and the openings again 
closed. In due time the viands were drawn ont on a wooden 
shovel, made by Jack, and the baking was pronounced per- 
fect. Nanny looked with pride on her young nurselings, and 
said, “ None but Westmoreland lads could have done such 
a clever job. If I live another day. I’ll try my loaf, and if 
that eats as it ought to eat, why then, we’ll just bide where 
we are, mistress, and end our days at this bonny, quiet 
place.” 

But Matilda advised Nanny to defer the experiment of 
the loaf till the wheat was ready. She had not been accus- 
tomed to make loaves of maize ; besides, they were all quite 
satisfied with the thin biscuits made from the fine flour which 
was ground in Mrs. Douglas’ hand-mill. 

The beaming sun of summer, though tempered by the cool 
breezes from the mountains, was so oppressive that they did 
not venture to quit the shade of the woods in the middle of 
the day ; but the four younger gentlemen usually set out in 
the morning early, well mounted and armed, to procure game 
for the provision of the household ; and they seldom returned 
empty handed ; though the guanacoes were not plentiful, as 
they had sought the cool air, in the heights of the mountains ; 
and they rarely ventured far enough on the Pampas to meet 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


225 


with the wild cattle. But hares, patridges, and pigeons were 
abundant, and Jack once more found a parrot for Maria ; be- 
sides some ostrich eggs, which made excellent omelettes. 

One day, all continued so still, that they determined on a 
longer expedition ; they reached the spot where they had 
abandoned their waggon, and found the remains still lying on 
the plain. Every particle of iron about it, even the very 
nails, had been carried off, but the wheels still remained at- 
tached to the wooden axle-tree ; and binding these firmly 
with thongs, the young men replaced the frame of the wag- 
gon, and placed the scattered pieces upon it. Then attach- 
ing two of their horses to the dilapidated vehicle, they suc- 
ceeded in drawing it home, with the intention of putting it in 
such repair as their means would permit. 

In the mean time the sisters ranged the wood beyond the 
inclosure without fear, relying on the protection of the river. 
They collected a quantity of strawberries, and brilliant 
flowers, quite unknown to them. And on this day the quick 
eyes of Maria marked the laden bees fly towards a particular 
tree, and she suggested to her sisters that there must be 
honey in the tree, of which they might take a part and still 
leave sufficient for the bees in winter. To take the honey 
was, however, an undertaking too formidable for the girls to 
attempt alone ; but on communicating the discovery to their 
brothers, Jack valiantly volunteered his services for the enter- 
prise, and the whole party set out to the woods to watch the 
bees. 

“ Now do, dear Jack,’’ said Maria, “ observe that bee 
which has plunged into the midst of the pretty yellow 
Oenothera, it is quite buried in the flower ; now it comes out 
slowly, covered with the yellow dust, and how wonderfully it 
brushes away all the dust from its body, till it forms a little 
mass, and now see the mass has entirely disappeared, the 
careful little bee has stowed it up in some unseen pocket.” 

“ The mass is now hidden in the triangular cavities of the 
hind-feet of the bee,” said Tom; “and the brushes with 
which it cleans the farina from the body, and collects it, are 
bushy substances which project from the fangs at the end of 
the four hind-feet.” 

“ Then these fangs are actually the hands of the bee,” ob» 
served Maria. 

15 


226 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ You may, if you please, use that unscientific name for 
the useful fangs,” answered Tom, “ for without them the bees 
would be unable to cling to the branches, and to each other. 
You must distinguish, however, between the honey-gathering 
bee, which sucks the nectar with its proboscis, and the bee 
we have just observed, which is employed only in collecting 
farina.’’ 

“See! see! Tom!” cried Jack, “ how they are buzzing 
round this old hollow tree ; they certainly have a colony 
here, and let them beware of me ! I am the man to slay the 
bees, and carry off the spoil of the battle. En avant /” and 
he was rushing forward, regardless of the cries of his sisters, 
when the firm and commanding voice of Dr. Lewis arrested 
him. 

“ If the bees have honey to spare,” said he, “ we will 
gladly share their abundance ; but I am astonished. Jack, 
that you, who have exclaimed so strongly against the tyranny 
of the Spaniards in a strange country, should conceive you 
have a right to slaughter the bees, and take possession of 
their hereditary domain.” 

“ But, my dear Lewis, how can we get the honey unless we 
destroy the bees?” asked Jack. “ If we summon them to a 
parley, will they attend ?” 

“ I fear not,” said Lewis, laughing ; “ I believe, after all, 
we shall be tempted to use the power that might so often 
exerts over right. We must compel them to pay tribute to 
our usurping rule ; but we will have no massacre. It is a 
measure which humanity and policy alike forbid. Let us 
examine their dwelling.” 

The tree, which was of large dimension, was a perfect 
shell, and they saw that the bees entered by several aper- 
tures. At the lower part of the tree was a large opening, 
and it was through this entrance Dr. Lewis proposed to 
storm their fortress ; but, as some preparation was needed, 
they agreed to return next day. 

Early the ensuing morning the whole family, laden with 
the apparatus, went to the wood ; they carried a small saw, 
wooden shovels, and all the leathern buckets. Lewis had a 
lon^ bamboo wand, to the end of which was attached a large 
piece of sponge, part of his toilet appendages. When they 
reached the tree, he wetted the sponge from a bottle, wbi^b 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


227 


contained some very powerful volatile, for he warned the 
whole party to keep at a distance, lest they should inhale the 
dangerous effluvia. He quickly introduced the wand through 
the opening into the hollow, and passed it up the tree. The 
loud humming of the insects gradually subsided, and finally 
all was silent. 

Lewis then withdrew the wand, and called all hands to 
work ; an opening was easily made in the frail shell of the 
tree, about four feet from the ground, and the curious work 
of the laborious colony revealed. The interior of the trunk 
was literally a column of comb, which they removed with 
wooden shovels, filling all the buckets they had brought. A 
slight movement announcing that some of the bees were re- 
covering, the signal for retreat was given, and the party 
marched off with all expedition, and succeeded in arriving in 
safe shelter, before the bereaved insects were sufficiently 
recovered to pursue and avenge themselves on the audacious 
robbers. 

The spoil was deposited in the cool mountain cave, which, 
closed by a rocky barrier, defied the attempts of the despoiled 
to recover their property. A portion of the honeycomb, with 
hot maize cakes, formed a more luxurious repast than the 
family had indulged in since they left England. 

“ See, my children,” said Mr. Merton, “ how bountiful 
our God has been to us. He has led us safely through the 
wilderness, as he led the Israelites of old, to a land flowing 
literally with milk and honey. I rejoice exceedingly that I 
have been enabled to look on the work of these wonderful 
creatures, for the study of their habits has excited the atten- 
tion of the sage from the early days of the patriarchs. 
Aristaeus, worshipped as a god, delighted still in his bees ; 
and Charles will not have forgotten the memorable description 
given of the recovery of his lost bees by the first of the Ro- 
man epic poets Virgil.” 

“ Certainly not, sir,” answered Charles, and I also re- 
member that knowing old Latin, disdaining the idea of female 
rule, gives the bees a king : ‘ Kings lead the swarm.’ I spare 
the ladies the original Latin blunder.” 

Mr. Merton undertook an apology for his favorite poet ; 
but Mary interrupted him to ask if he thought the Israelites 
had hives for their bees. 


228 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

“ Assuredly not, my child,” replied he j “ the bees of the 
East, doubtless, then, as now, dwelt in clefts of the rocks. 
In the Psalms we have this allusion : ‘ With honey out of the 
stony rock should I have satisfied thee and in the song of 
Moses, recorded in Deuteronomy, we have the words, ‘ He 
made him to suck honey out of the rock.’ ” 

The rich grass of the inclosed plots was now ready for 
cutting ; but the difliculty of accomplishing this simple opera- 
tion of husbaudry was very great. They had neither scythe 
nor sickle ; Almagro possessed a long knife, but he had car- 
ried it with him for defence, hoping to return before the har- 
vest. All the agricultural implements belonging to Mr. 
Douglas had been left in the waggons abandoned on the 
Pampas, to the great regret of the generous Mrs. Douglas , 
who had promised, however, if she could meet with any use- 
ful implement before Almagro returned, to send it for her 
friends. But of Almagro’s return they began to despair, he 
had now been so long absent. 

“ Well,” said Jack, “ we must cut our grass ; and we have 
the choice of a carving-knife, a spade, a hatchet, a saw, or 
an Indian lance. Which will make the best scythe 

It could not be helped ; they set to work and hacked the 
grass with large and small knives, or any implement that 
would cut. The young ladies even plucked the grass with 
their hands, so determined they were to have hay j and a 
very neat, good-sized haystack was speedily made within 
the fortress ; it was thatched with maize-leaves and thongs 
of hide ; and the young farmers believed it might defy the 
rains of winter. 

The beans were likewise cut and stacked, to serve as food 
for the cattle, or, in case of need, for themselves. The pota- 
toes were excellent and plentiful, and the wheat was nearly 
ripe ; but the prospect of reaping it in the same way they 
had done the grass was discouraging. They had gained the 
addition of a young llama and a calf to their stock, and 
they now turned the cows and llamas into the newly-cut 
grass-fields, which were securely fenced ; and the animals 
fattened well on the fresh food. The dryness of the season 
was the single inconvenience they experienced ; there had 
been no rain for some months, and though the dew fell, and 
partially refreshed the ground, they had to bring water from 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


223 


the river to irrigate the garden. This was a great labor j 
but the well was so low they were obliged to be economical. 
They had even to contrive a plan for drawing up the water, 
which had sunk below their reach. They planted on each 
side of the well a short stout post, forked at the top ; acfoss 
these was laid a rounded pole projecting beyond the forks at 
one side, to serve as a windlass, to the end of which a rude 
handle was fixed. The rope was formed of twisted thongs, 
and a large leathern bucket was attached to it. The ma- 
chinery answered very well, though the workmanship was 
rough j and they were able to draw up water, deliciously 
cool, when they wanted it. Occasionally they even indulged 
in the luxury of sherbet, made by mingling Honey with the 
water, and fiavoring it with the juice of the strawberry, or 
with that of the richer peaches, which were daily ripening. 
Of the latter delicious fruit, besides their usual consumption, 
they dried a vast quantity in the sun for winter provision. 
The family had, in fact, a profusion of the necessaries, and 
even the luxuries, of life. They had health, domestic 
happiness, and a peace only alloyed by the absence of their 
faithful friend, and an irrepressible dread of the Indian 
marauders. 


CHAPTER XX. 

The bountiful Harvest. Thankfulness. The Thunder-storm and 
Conflagration. The Ketum of Almagro. HU Story of Sorrow 
and Trial, and Account of his Arrival at Santiago. 

The maize was quite ripe, and the parrots and pigeons 
were hourly visitants, the sisters being kept fully employed 
in watching and driving them away. At length they began 
the task of plucking all the ears, which were carried in 
baskets to the colonnade, where they were shelled ; the grains 
were stored in chests and hide bags, and the husks built in 
stacks, behind the kitchens, for fuel. After this was finished, 
which occupied many days, the stalks were cut down, tied 


230 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

in bundles, and stacked for the cattle. Some weeks be- 
fore, a quantity of leaves had neen collected to store for 
thatching. 

Then came the important wheat harvest ; the plot was 
small ; but, with their inefficient implements, it took the 
young workmen several days to reap it ; for they worked very 
cautiously, lest they should waste a grain of their precious 
corn. When they judged the wheat was perfectly dry, it 
was conveyed to the work -shop, on the floor of which the 
large sailcloth used for their travelling tent was spread, and 
a flail was soon constructed of two long poles united by a 
hinge of hide ; then the corn was thrashed, winnowed, and 
stored in sacks of hide. The produce was calculated to be 
about twenty bushels, and of this they proposed to reserve two 
bushels at least for seed. 

How happy the young men felt as they looked round on 
their well-stocked farm ; and all being finished, they assem- 
bled at church to return thanks to God for the blessings he 
had bestowed on them. Mr. Merton concluded the service 
by a serious injunction to them not to put their trust in the 
multitude of their riches, nor incur the judgment of God, 
like the presumptuous men in the parable, by saying, “ Soul, 
thou hast much good laid up for many years,” but to be hum- 
ble in the midst of their plenty, and remember all was the 
gift of God. 

When they returned from church, Maria seemed troubled, 
and, addressing Mr. Merton, she said, “ Do you think, my 
dear friend and father, that I am doing the will of God, by 
remaining in this happy valley without benefiting my fellow- 
creatures? You have been a friend to Almagro and a 
father to me ; and surely God sent me also into the world for 
some good purpose, but I have done nothing : I am negligent 
and idle, for I know many wonderful things that you have 
taught me, and I might teach them to the ignorant savages, 
who are, like us, God’s creatures, but do not, like us, know 
him.” 

« Your thoughts are just, my dear child,” said Mr. Mer- 
ton- “ I fear I have too much neglected my mission on earth, 
but an unpardonable want of energy has prevented me from 
seriously contemplating my duties. I would gladly listen to 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


231 


any plan for opening a communication with the heathens, for 
I now feel the solemn responsibility of my situation.” 

Maria entreated that she might be allowed to go out and 
meet the Indians, who would never hurt a girl, and especially 
one who spoke Spanish ; which most of the tribes understood, 
from visiting the towns to exchange their skins. She was 
very sanguine that they would allow her to teach their 
children. Dr. Lewis, however, assured her she was very un- 
fit for such a perilous mission ; nor would he hear of Mr. 
Merton attempting any intercourse with the tribes, of whom 
they yet knew nothing but that they were savage and 
cruel. At all events, they must wait for the return of Al- 
magro, before any mission could be planned, and day after 
day they watched and hoped to see their friend, but in vain. 

The weather had been intolerably sultry for some days, 
when one evening, as the family were about to separate and 
retire to their several resting-places, they were startled by a 
loud peal of thunder. They went into the open air, and be- 
held, through the thick darkness of the night, the forked 
lightning darting along the heavens, like the fiery serpents 
of fable. Then came the terrific peals of thunder, which can 
only be heard amidst gigantic mountains. Mr. Merton and 
Dr. Lewis looked on with admiration, and pointed out to 
their youthful hearers the immediate causes, and the bene- 
ficial effects of these elemental strifes, so mysterious to human 
comprehension, like all the mighty works of the great Crea- 
tor. The sisters clung to each other, trembling, and the 
family withdrew into the hall, agreeing not to separate, 
though they usually occupied both the dwellings, until this 
awful storm was past. 

“ Surely,” said Mr. Merton, “ I perceive some smell of 
combustion beyond that of the sulphureous vapors that fill 
the air ?” 

Convinced that this was the fact, they all left the house 
once more, and saw, to their great distress, the stack of 
maize-stalks in flames. Not a moment was to be lost, and 
Lewis, with his usual coolness and decision, appointed every 
one his work. Buckets and vessels of every description were 
hastily collected, and the young people formed a line from 
the well to the stack ; Nanny drew the water, and the buckets 
passed swiftly from hand to hand, and were received by 


232 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP, 

Lewis, wtio threw the water on the burning stack. Tom 
and Jack were left out of the line, and were employed in 
pulling down, and flinging to a distance, with the aid of 
two lances, the bundles of beans which formed the next stack. 

But, alas ! the supply of water was scanty, the remains of 
the bean-stack soon took fire ; and now all their concern was 
for the hut of Almagro, immediately adjacent, which contain- 
ed not only their valuable tools, but many sacks of corn. 
All the supply of water was now directed to the thatch of 
the hut, but they saw with dismay that the flames must in- 
evitably spread to it ; from thence the fence against which it 
was built would also take fire, and not only all their posses- 
sions, but their very lives were in danger. Their arms were 
wearied with carrying the buckets, the water of the well was 
nearly exhausted, and Nanny, in despair, relinquished her 
occupation. 

With aching hearts, they now hastily prepared to escape 
from this scene of desolation and danger ; when suddenly, in 
a moment, the rain descended in torrents, quenching the fire, 
and driving them in, greatly relieved, to the shelter of the 
house. 

Then, after many tears of joy, they knelt down, and, with 
fervent spirit and grateful hearts, off“ered up their thanks to 
God, who had once more preserved them in the extremity of 
despair. 

The thunder ceased, but all night long the rain came down 
with undiminished fury. The thick leather curtains of win- 
ter were suspended before the windows, and the whole family 
remained together watching all night, dreading that the 
thunder might again come on. When day broke, they looked 
out on the scene of desolation sorrowfully, but grateful for 
all that was spared to them ; and wrapped up in skin cloaks, 
they all ventured out to see the animals, which were in the 
fields beyond the inclosure. 

They found the llamas, crouched under the hedge, trem- 
bling with fear, the youngest animal lying dead by the side 
of the mother, struck by the lightning. The cows were 
quietly grazing, uninjured, and apparently heedless of the 
storm. The sisters wept over the fate of their little favorite, 
a^d removed the body from the sight of the distressed mother. 
They next proceeded to the corral, and found all safe, for the 


THS MERTON FAMILY. 


233 


Btables and sheds were left open, and the horses had taken 
shelter. The gardens were perfectly devastated ; all the 
bright flowers were gone, and carrots, onions, and lettuces 
broken down and destroyed. But the loss was only for a 
season — they were still rich in stores ; and they were filled 
with gratitude when they reflected, that if the storm had 
occurred a month before, all the crops must have been de- 
stroyed. 

In a few hours the rain ceased, the sun beamed forth, and 
all nature revived after the terrible but health-bestowing dis* 
pensation. The young men then completed the survey of 
their losses : they found the stack of maize 'Stalks burnt to 
the ground, as well as all the beans, except some sheaves 
which they had thrown off before the stack caught fire. 

We still have the hay,” said Tom; “and if the winter 
should prove severe we must spare some maize for the 
cattle.” 

“ I propose,” said Lewis, “ that we make another inclosure, 
into which we oau turn the animals, and then try to raise 
a second crop of hay. This glorious rain will give new vigor 
to the parched soil, and vegetation will spring rapidy. And 
now, boys, set to work for the sun has already absorbed the 
moisture from our lately flooded gardens, and we must have 
them put in order.” 

This was a work of great labor, for fragments of stone and 
pebbles had been washed from the rocks above and scattered 
over the whole valley. The gardens had to be cleared from 
these stones, the broken plants propped, and those which 
were torn up replaced. Then the beans which were saved 
were spread to dry, and it was found there would be abund- 
ance left for seed, though none for consumption. Finally, 
all the cattle were removed into the corral, till another plot 
of ground should be fenced for pasture. 

The next morning the young men set out to procure poles 
and cactus plants for the fence. They had put the strong 
baggage waggon into order, and on this occasion they harness- 
ed to it, for the first time, two oxen, which they had taught 
to draw. The river was greatly overflowed by the rain, but 
descending lower, they crossed it at a wide and shallow part. 
Then moving still along the valley for about a mile, they 
reached a spot where a gradual ascent enabled them to taka 


234 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


the waggon within the shelter of the wood which clothed the 
lower part of the mountains. Securing the oxen, they sought 
for trees suitable to their purpose, and set vigorously to work. 
They cut down pines, and took up young cactus shrubs, — 
now an easy task in the moist state of the earth. With 
these they loaded the waggon, and then sought out and 
collected a large quantity of pinones. They found several 
trees blasted by the lightning, under one of which a bullock 
was lying dead. Some nests of young pigeons were lying 
scattered on the ground ; many of the young birds were still 
living, and these they picked up, and wrapping them in the 
remains of the torn nests, placed them in the waggon, hoping 
to bring them up and tame them, that they might found a 
colony of pigeons within the fortress. 

And now, their labor being accomplished, they sat down to 
take some refreshment previous to taking the road home- 
wards. As they sat talking cheerfully over their plans of 
labor, Charles suddenly made a sign for silence. “ Jack,’’ 
whispered he, be on your guard, for I certainly heard a 
movement among the low bushes below us ; there must be 
some wild animal watching us.” 

The rifles were ready in a moment, and they were all 
cautiously looking out through the trees. A continuous low 
rustling was now plainly heard, but the thick bushes con- 
cealed the cause, till before an opening in the wood, about 
fifty yards from them, they caught a glimpse of a horseman. 
“It is Almagro !” cried Jack, springing impetuously down 
the sloping wood. The horseman, evidently alarmed, raised 
his rifle, and would certainly have fired, but for the well- 
known voice of Dr. Lewis crying out, “ Almagro, we are 
here.” He rode forward mounted on Niger to meet them, 
with a glowing countenance ; he was followed by a train of 
six loaded mules, — a pleasant sight for the whole party. 

The meeting was joyful and noisy ; and so many questions 
were asked on both sides, that Dr. Lewis prudently request- 
ed Almagro to defer all explanation till they were assembled 
at home, where it was now desirable to hasten, with such a 
valuable freight. They proceeded therefore as rapidly as the 
slow movement of the oxen would permit, Almagro much 
amused with the new team, and the young men greatly de- 
lighted with the handsome mules, and not a little curious to 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


236 


know what their load consisted of. As they went along, Al- 
magro heard the little history of the settlement since his de- 
parture ; the encounter with the Indians on the Pampas, and 
the lucky escape. Then they reported the work done, the 
rich harvest, the storm, and the conflagration. 

Almagro had also experienced the storm, but had for- 
tunately been sheltered with bis mules in some caves he had 
found in the rocks ; but he declared that be expected every 
moment to be crushed by the rocks falling upon him, such 
were the fearful explosions, which seemed like the rending of 
the mountains above him. 

When the sisters unbarred the gate, and admitted Alma- 
gro, the rejoicing was great ; the girls clung round their 
dear friend with a thousand questions, and Nanny even wip- 
ing her eyes, said : “ God keep us altogether now, for it is 
sore work parting with friends, when they are so scarce.” 

The mules were unladen, and taken to the corral, to be in- 
troduced to their new friends ; and then, after supper, the 
inpatient boys begged to know what Almagro had brought 
with him. 

Many useful and valuable remembrances from Mr. and 
Mrs. Douglas,” said he ; “ and, for the rest, I have done 
for Charles all I could efiect, though not, perhaps, all that 
he wished.” 

This was a mystery, and all looked to Charles for an ex- 
planation, who, addressing Mr. Merton, said : 

“ You know, dear uncle, if I chose to visit Valparaiso, I 
should be a wealthy man, but having made up my mind to 
stay with you, I gave Almagro the bills and letters I had 
brought out with me, that if he reached any commercial town 
in Chili, he might get credit, and procure some little addi- 
tions to the comforts of the family circle. I jotted down 
such things as I wished, rather than hoped for, and left him 
to make the best of it.” 

Whicli I tried to do, Charles, for I honored your good 
intentions,” said Almagro. “ But will you now inspect the 
packages, or shall I give you the details of our melancholy 
journey.” 

Ail were anxious to hear how the travellers reached Chili ; 
and though Jack and Mary looked inquisitively at some 
packages, the inspection was deferred till next morning; and 


I 


236 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Almagro commenced his narrative in Spanish, the language 
he spoke most fluently, and which the whole family now 
readily understood. 

“ When we left you,” he began, “ we proceeded towards the 
north, continuing on the plain in hopes of meeting with some 
track which might point out to us the pass over the mountains. 
For two days we pursued this solitary road, erecting a tent at 
night for shelter, and meeting with no inconvenience except the 
extreme uneasiness and the ceaseless complaints of Mrs. Car- 
ruthers, who declared that we were certainly lost, and should 
either be murdered by the savages, or torn to pieces by wild 
beasts. Mrs. Douglas with kindness and energy, reproved 
her fears, and used every argument to divert her from them ; 
but in vain. On the third day Mr. Carruthers pointed out 
some faint traces of a path on a gentle slope towards the Cor- 
dilleras. On examining the spot, I recognised with satislac- 
tion the footsteps of mules, which convinced me this was not 
the track of the Indians, who always journey on horses, and 
ever at full speed. 

“We followed the track for some time up the ascent ; the 
path soon became stony ; then we reached a ravine, in which 
we found a hut which we concluded to be a post-house, and 
hoped we ahould there meet with a guide ; but we were 
doomed to be disappointed. The hut was a wretched abode, 
destitute of every comfort, and inhabited only by a deaf old 
woman and a stupid young girl. All my inquiries produced 
no other information than that the son of the old woman had 
left the hut some days before to guide some travellers. 
Miserable as this hut was, it was agreed, for the sake of the 
ladies, that we should spend the night there ; and, though the 
only provision the dwelling contained was charqui, which we 
did not want, we had the refreshment of the pure water which 
flowed in a clear stream through the ravine. 

“ The beds which were ofifered to the ladies were but 
heaps of filthy and foul skins, from which they shrunk with 
disgust *, but we carried into the hut all the blankets and 
mattresses to form couches for them ; while the two gentle- 
men with John and I slept in the open air, and certainly had 
the most agreeable lodging ; for no sooner had day broke 
than Mrs. Douglas came to us, declaring it was impossible 
any longer to endure the attacks of the millions of vermin 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


m 


that swarmed in the hut. She certainly had suffered greatly, 
for her face was absolutely disfigured by the wounds inflicted 
by the bloodthirsty little insects. She had left her sister 
weeping in great distress, and calling on us for the assistance 
which we could not possibly afford her. Fortunately the 
morning was flne, and abandoning the filthy hut, we break- 
fasted in the open air, and discussed the question of our 
proceeding. 

“ Mr. and Mrs. Douglas were of opinion that our most 
prudent plan would be to retrace our steps, and endeavor to 
preserve the mule track to the last station on the Pampas, in 
order to procure a guide ; but Mrs. Carruthers vehemently pro- 
tested against returning, and moreover declared, she would 
certainly never again enter a post-station while she lived, 
words which were but too true ! 

“ Mr. Carruthers, who was ever attentive to her wishes, 
entreated his brother and sister to proceed forward on the 
track which was now plainly marked. They reluctantly 
complied with his desire, and we went on, not knowing what 
dangers lay before us. Sometimes the track led us up a 
gentle green slope, sometimes through a ravine formed by 
some torrent, which, in part subsided, left a narrow path by 
the side. These were the pleasant scenes of the first two 
days after we left the hut, and the weather continuing fine, 
the tent was a sufl5cient night lodging. 

“ But on the third morning we entered a gorge, which lay 
before us a perfect labyrinth of huge fragments which had 
fallen from the mountains above. The gentlemen led the 
horses on which their ladies were mounted, and we followed 
each other closely, for if one by mischance was left behind, 
he became distracted at the disappearance of his companions, 
and the bewildering objects around him, and knew not where 
to turn. I could not but fancy that such must the world have 
been, in the first days of creation, which Mr. Merton had so 
frequently and beautifully described to me, before the Great 
God had called forth the vegetation that gives it beauty, or 
the animals that give it life. It was an awful solitude ; 
and even the peevish complaints of Mrs. Carruthers were 
momentarily hushed by the grandeur and terror of the 
ficanery. 

« A lofty mountain lay before us, which seemed to bar our 


238 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


progress, and defy any attempt to ascend it, but at length we 
made out a deep cut path, which carried us up to a pass 
which wound along the side of the mountain for some miles. 
The fragments brought from the heights by storms had 
formed a sort of steep inclined plane, at the foot of which 
foamed a deep torrent. It was on the side of this descent 
that the steps of the mules had formed a path which the 
hand of man had done little for, and which was in many 
parts fearfully narrow and perilous. As we proceeded, the 
precipice on one side became more abrupt, while on the other 
hand rose a lofty and inaccessible wall of rock ; and far below 
us the rushing torrent sounded like a death-knell. I held 
my breath for fear, and saw my dear friends grow pale with 
terror ; it was not for ourselves we trembled, but for the 
helpless females, who, seated on the sillon, had their feet 
frequently hanging over the precipice ; for horse and mule 
alike fear the wall, and always choose to walk on the outer 
edge of the pass. At length we reached a part where the 
path was not more than four feet wide, and was strewed with 
untrodden stones ; evidently brought down recently, probably 
by the melting of the snows. 

“ Half-way down the precipice on one side of us, lay the 
dead body of a mule on a ledge of rock, — a signal of the 
dangers of the road. No sooner had Mrs. Cairuthers caught 
sight of this painful object, than she became fearfully agitated, 
and uttered loud screams, which the rocks echoed back with 
a mocking sound. This alarm added to our peril ; and 1 
proposed that we should make this difficult pass on foot, first 
seeing the ladies to a place of safety, and then returning to 
lead the animals. 

“ All were willing to accede to this plan except Mrs. Car- 
ruthers : she would not be lifted from the mule ; entreaties 
and remonstrances alike were unavailing. Mr. Carruthers 
endeavored to persuade her to allow him to carry her in his 
arms, but she refused, which I did not regret ; for the lady 
was so untranquil, I considered the attempt wmuld be dan- 
gerous. We were compelled to comply with her unreasona- 
ble fancy. I took care the lady was tied to the siloriy and 
relying on the sure-footedness of my old mule I felt some 
degree of confidence in our safety. We then dismounted, 
and Mr. Douglas agreed to lead our horses tied together in 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


239 


line ; Mrs. Douglas with great resolution proposed to follow 
alone ; then John was to join with the loaded animals, and 
last, Mr. Carruthers leading his wife’s mule, as I knew the 
animal would not refuse to follow its companions, whatever 
might be the risk. 

“ For myself, I undertook to guard against accidents, o 
scheme which I communicated to Mr. Douglas alone ; ana 
before the procession moved along the dangerous part of the 
pass, I descended the steep : it was an immense height ; but 
accustomed from my youth to scale rocks, it was not so 
perilous as it would have been to an inexperienced person. 
J found a narrow path by the side of the river, and watched 
there, with my lasso prepared, in case any accident should 
occur. 

“ The procession had reached the narrowest part of the 
pass, which turned round the angle of a rock, when a gua- 
naco, which was perched on a ledge above, and was probably 
the sentinel of the herd, suddenly bounded down on the path 
directly before the mule Mrs. Carruthers uttered a piercing 
scream, and struggled to extricate herself from the saddle. 
Whether the fright of seeing the guanaco before it, the strug- 
gling of the impatient rider, or some loose stone which had 
rolled beneath its feet, was the occasion of the fatal catas- 
trophe, no one can tell, but the mule, in a moment, was over 
the edge. It clung for a minute by its fore-feet ; and Mr. 
Douglas declared afterwards, that if the unfortunate woman 
had only remained still, John and he would have come up in 
time to drag up the animal, or to save her ; but her shrill 
cries and struggles only hastened the catastrophe 5 and Mr. 
Carruthers still vainly pulling at the rein, was hurled, with 
the mule, down that frightful precipice. 

“ My first impression, when I saw the creature rolling 
over and over down the steep, was, that it was the baggage- 
horse laden with Mrs. Carruthers’ portmanteau ; and 1 shall 
never forget ray horror when I saw that it was the mule. It 
dashed into the torrent, and sunk ; I rushed down the banks, 
and in a few moments Mr. Carruthers rose to the surface ; I 
flung my lasso, and brought him out at the first attempt, 
quite insensible ; but I believed, not dead. 

‘‘ I left hirn lying, after disengaging my lasso, and again 
ran forward, when I was astonished to see the mule swimming 


240 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


composedly towards me. It landed ; and shaking the water 
from its sides, appeared uninjured, I scarcely dared to ap- 
proach, for I saw the sillon v/as still on its back, and the 
lady tied to it : she was hanging forward, apparently dead, 
covered with blood, and her arms drooping as if shattered by 
the fall. It was a terrible sight, and I was greatly relieved 
by the arrival of Mr. Douglas, who had with great risk and 
difficulty made his way down the fatal precipice. We im- 
mediately released the lady from the saddle ; we found her 
face and head much cut, and we fancied her arms were both 
fractured ; but she still breathed. I took off my poncho, on 
which we placed her, and moving up the stream we found an 
ascent less abrupt than that we had come down ; and we suc- 
ceeded, I can scarcely remember in what manner, in scramb- 
ling up with our senseless and mutilated burthen ; and placing 
her in the charge of her weeping sister, we again descended to 
Mr. Carruthers. 

“We raised him, and after a short time he opened his eyes, 
and gazed round with a strange, wild, expression. We were 
alone ; for the mule had made its way up the steep, and joined 
its companions, apparently little the worse for the fall. Mr. 
Carruthers shuddered as he looked at the torrent, and with- 
out speaking he turned his eyes inquiringly on us. 

“ ‘ Eliza is much hurt,’ said Mr. Douglas, ‘ but let us hope 
the best ; she is now with Margaret, and you must try, if pos- 
sible, to join them.’ 

“ We found, on examination, that most wonderfully the un- 
fortunate husband had no bones broken. The descent was 
too steep for pebbles to rest on ; and the melted snow flowing 
over it, succeeded by a hot sun, had clothed the hard rook 
with a short and scanty growth of grass, which had rendered 
the fall less destructive. Still he was much bruised and cut ; 
but, his anxiety to see his wife, induced him to strain every 
nerve to make the ascent. But he was struck dumb with 
horror when he saw the lovely youthful form, that not many 
minutes before was full of life and bloom, now stretched sense- 
less, maimed and disfigured with wounds. She still con- 
tinued in the same state of insensibility : and we feared there 
must be concussion of the brain. We used every means we 
possessed to recover her, but in vain ; and at length we agreed 
to move forward, as night was drawing on, and we could find 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


241 


HO place on which to place our tent till we had emerged from 
this perilous pass. 

“We continued on the winding road for about a mile ; Mr. 
Douglas and I carrying the unfortunate lady, Mrs, Douglas 
walking by her side in deep distress, and Mr. Carruthers, 
scarcely able to sit on his horse, following us. The path then 
became more open ; we reached a small plain covered with 
stunted pasturage, and on one side, on a little elevation, was 
a building which I recognised as one of the Casuchas of the 
passes, erected by the government for the use of travellers in 
case of snow storms. It was raised on a solid foundation 
about ten feet above the ground, and was merely one small room 
built of brick ; the roof was arched, and covered with bricks 
placed so as to form two inclined planes, on which the snow 
could not rest. We entered it by means of a flight of rude 
stone steps, and gratefully took possession of it. It was only 
lighted by a few loopholes left in the masonry, but there was 
a table flxed in the midst, and in one corner a pile of fire- 
wood. 

“ In this miserable hut, on a bed formed of mattresses and 
cloaks, we rested the shattered form of the beautiful Mrs. Car- 
ruthers. We lighted a fire, and then, while John and I un- 
loaded the animals, and tethered them so that they could not 
stray, Mrs. Douglas washed the disfigured features and bound 
up the bleeding wounds of her unfortunate sister. The ap- 
plication of the cold water revived the spark of life ; she mur- 
mured faintly, ‘ Henry ! Margaret I’ They spoke tenderly to 
her, and inquired if she suffered ; but she did not seem to 
have strength to reply ; then Mr. Douglas brought a flask 
which still remained of his stores, and they administered to 
her a few drops of brandy. This cordial partially revived her ; 
she again spoke : ‘ Mr. Merton,’ she uttered, ‘ pray for me !’ 
We entered the hut, and joined in the fervent prayers for the 
dying which Mr. Douglas offered up. 

“ The poor lady moaned feebly, and in a few minutes after 
said, ‘ Margaret, T am then dying.’ The sobs of her sister 
and the deep groans of her husband were her answer. ‘ Will 
God pardon me V she said, in a broken voice ; ‘ I have been 
very wicked ; I have forgotten Him in my pride of beauty • 
will he new remember me V 
16 


242 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ Then Mr. Carruthers roused himself from the lethargy of 
despair, and spoke to the dying creature in words that seemed 
inspired by God himself. He told her of his surpassing love 
and mercy to sinful man, and earnestly besought her to pray 
faithfully, and to put h^* whole trust in him who freely of- 
fered forgiveness and salvation, and who could remove her by 
his will from that bed of agony to the mansions of eternal bles- 
sedness. The poor sufferer wept and prayed. John and I 
withdrew and spread our tent outside, and left the sufferer 
with her sorrowing friends. 

“ For twenty-four hours she lingered ; but Mrs. Douglas 
told me her mind recovered the holy and pure character of 
her childhood ; and her friends humbly trusted that she died 
in peace with God and man. I have dwelt thus on her death 
as a warning to the dear girls who are now weeping at the 
recital to avoid the temptations which haunt the paths of youth 
and beauty. 

“ The bereaved husband, who had struggled against ill- 
ness while his wife lived, sunk down in a violent fever as soon 
as the excitement of attending her was passed. We conveyed 
him from the chamber of death to the purer air of the tent, 
and watched him night and day ; but our means to allay the 
fever were few and inadequate. John, who understands all 
useful arts, opened a vein in his arm, and bled him freely. 
This ought to have been done immediately after the accident; 
but all our care and thought had been given to Mrs. Carru- 
thers. We gave him the water which burst from the rocks 
above us to allay his burning thirst, and poured it over 
his head to cool and refresh him; and this was all we 
could do. 

“ For many days he raved with fever, and then sank into 
a stupor, which we feared would terminate fatally. By this 
time even the ample store of food provided by you began to 
fail j and though in a dry mountain air, the bodj of the dead 
showed no signs of corruption, yet it was needful the rites of 
sepulture should be performed ; and it was the wish of Mrs. 
Douglas that her sister should be IfRried in consecrated 
ground. We scarcely knew how to act. T proposed to go 
forward to endeavor to reach some post where I might pro- 
cure assistance ; but I knew that I should find no post till I 


THE MEBTON FAMILY. 


243 


pained the west of the mountains ; and the consequent delay 
induced them to reject my proposal. 

“ But in our great need God sent us help. A party of 
travellers from Chili arrived at the casucha. They were 
ehoeked and moved to compassion by our tale of misery, and 
qSered all the assistance in their power. One of the party 
w&fc a professor of medicine, going to Mendoza for the sake of 
hu own health. He was a man of knowledge and benevo- 
lence ; ke K?.d us Mr. Carruthers was now suffering from a 
nervous affection produced by a brain fever and great mental 
distress. He administered proper restoratives to him, and 
recommended us immediately to remove him from the scene 
of his affliction, supplying us with medicine and good ad- 
vice. 

“ By the assistance of the strangers, who carried with them 
chests of tools, we made a coffin to contain the remains of 
Mrs. Carruthers, using for the purpose some deal boxes which 
had been filled with her dresses. Our kind friends finished by 
giving us clear directions for our journey, and we parted from 
them with gratitude and revived hopes. The coffin was sus- 
pended on one side of the baggage-horses, balanced by the 
portmanteau of fine clothes which the unhappy lady prized so 
greatly. This horse John undertook to keep behind, as far 
as possible from the observation of Mr. Carruthers, whom we 
got placed on his horse with much difficulty ; and during the 
first day’s journey, which was necessarily very short, Mr. 
Douglas and I had to hold him up. 

“ But the next day he was a little stronger, and ate some 
boiled meat, though he still continued silent and deeply de- 
pressed. We met with scarcely any vegetation on this day, 
and the next morning we came on patches of snow. Another 
day and the snowy heights lay before us, which we must abso- 
lutely ascend ; but Mr. Carruthers seemed to grow better in 
difficulties ; and we began with stout hearts the zig-zag up- 
ward path, sometimes slipping back, sometimes clinging to the 
manes of the struggling horses ; and finally we reached the 
highest point of the pass, and moved through a narrow 
passage between two lofty peaks, which led to the western 
descent. 

“ After a very cold night’s rest, we proceeded downwards 
BO rapidly, that before night we again reached the region of 


244 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


vegetation over a well- tracked road. Two days more bruvgkt 
us to wooded hills, and from thence we went on to a poslista-. 
tion, the first dwelling of man we had entered since we left 
the filthy hut in the valley of the Pampas. This hut was 
clean, though it was a mean dwelling ; and we rewarded the 
inhabitants liberally for a supply of milk, butter, and fruit. 
Q’hey directed us to a village lower down the hills, which 
proved to be only a few huts ; yet the people were hospitable, 
and furnished us with food. We obtained a guid who 
brought us in three days to the city of Santiago.’’ 


OHAPTEK XXI. 


Santiago. Almagro displays his Treasures. Jack and Maria set out 
to search for Pinones. The Encounter with the Indians. Jack 
carried off. The arrangements for the Pursuit and the Recovery 
of the Captive. 

» 

“ I HAD lived only among woods and mountains, apart from 
ill my kind, and therefore tome the sight of the crowded city 
of Santiago was wondrous. I gazed in speechless admiration 
on the innumerable houses, the steeples of the churches, and 
the rich woods and gardens which half hid the city ; and I 
was so bewildered and dazzled as to be absolutely helpless 
when we alighted from our wearied horses before a spacious 
hotel, which I believed was a palace. 

‘‘ Mr. Douglas was soon surrounded by friends ; he knew 
eome English merchants who were settled in Santiago, and 
through their means was enabled to have the remains of Mrs. 
Carruthers deposited in consecrated ground. Proper medi- 
cal advice was procured for the afflicted husband, whose health 
improved daily ; but his depression of spirits continued un- 
abated, and Mr. Douglas saw that at present it was hopeless 
to expect his aid in any commercial transactions. 

A few days after our arrival, Mr. Douglas discovered 
that all the contents of his abandoned waggons had been 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


24a 


safely brought over the mountains, and deposited in the cus- 
tom-house ; the officers of the department having rewarded 
the men who had conveyed the property honestly and safely 
to its destination. But there was now little prospect of their 
being able to open or work a mine ; the most skilful of the 
miners whom he had brought out, after reaching Santiago, 
and waiting long for his return, had finally engaged them- 
selves to some enterprising speculators, and embarked for 
Lima. The rest of them, after depositing the tools with which 
they had been entrusted by the custom-house officers, had 
dispersed in different directions, hopeless of seeing their em- 
ployers again. 

“ I was kindly treated by every one ; I was conducted over 
the whole city, and beheld with wonder the number, the re- 
gularity, and the cleanliness of the streets ; the elegance 
of the buildings, the display in the shops, and the noble cathe- 
dral, which was built, as Mr. Carruthers told me in the Moorish 
style of architecture, and woke in ray mind remembrances of 
the proud tow6rs my father used to talk of, as existing in 
that country which he ever loved to call his own. 

“ I admired the gardens, blooming with flowers of exquisite 
hue and perfume, which occupied the courts of the houses. I 
wished to procure every flower to bring to Esperanza, but 
some, I was told, were too delicate to bear the journey or the 
change of climate ; yet faithful to the promise I made to my 
friend Charles, I procured seeds of the most brilliant and 
fragrant of the annuals for the fair gardeners at home. Then 
I was taken to the rich vineyards at the quintas^ or country 
houses of the suburbs, and wished much that I could have 
transported to this spot the graceful plants, which were even 
then beautiful with the rich clusters of the unripened fruit. 
I consulted my friends, and Mr. Carruthers was of opinion 
that the grape might certainly be ripened in the long hot sum- 
mer of this climate, and the vines protected in the winter ; 
at all events that we might make the experiment. I have 
brought some young plants, carefully packed by the obliging 
friend of Mr. Douglas, who also wrote a paper of instructions 
for the cultivator. 

“ I then signified my wish to return to my best friends, 
who would, I knew, be anxious on account of my long absence. 
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas regretted that we must part, and Mr. 


246 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Carruthers begged me to tell Mr. Merton, that he felt it now 
his duty to return to England, and to enter the church, his 
original destination till his marriage, when the great objec- 
tion .‘Irs. Carruthers had to become the wife of a clergyman 
induced him to relinquish his intention, an act which he 
greatly deplored, and he hoped for the future to devote him- 
self to study, and to the benefit of his fellow-creatures. 

“ ‘ And tell my dear Mr. Merton,’ added Mrs. Douglas, 
“ that I hope we shall at last, all gather round him at Espe- 
ran«a, I see no reason now why we should remain in this un- 
home-like town — I love the country ; but William Douglas 
says it will take much time to settle the affairs of his un- 
lucky mining project. Then, Henry must join us, he is anx- 
ious to do good, and there is work enough to do among the 
heathens in the wilds of America.’ 

“ The good lady was indefatigable in collecting useful re- 
membrances to send to her friends ; and I was compelled to 
remind her that I could not possibly manage so many loaded 
mules as would have been necessary for the conveyance of all 
her purchases, and she reluctantly desisted from increasing 
them. 

When all was ready, I waited a few days to join a large 
party who were crossing to Mendoza, as the security of num- 
bers was doubly desirable with the embarrassment of riches 
which now weighed on me. 

“ Our separation was painfully affecting, for we had been 
together through toil and sorrow. Mr. Carruthers, as a part- 
ing gift, presented me with his own watch, a memorial I shall 
ever value. My passage across the mountains was compara- 
tively easy. We had experienced guides, who saved us from 
many of the inconveniences and dangers to which the lonely 
and ignorant traveller is exposed ; and except the painful re- 
collections suggested by the sight of the lonely casucha, and 
the perilous pass, where we had endured such affliction, the 
journey was cheerful and pleasant. 

“ When we finished the descent from the mountains, and 
reached the Pampas, I parted from my agreeable travelling- 
companions, and, to their great astonishment, took the road 
towards the south. They remonstrated with me on the mad- 
ness of proceeding alone, with my valuable train of mules, on 
a track where I should hourly risk an encounter with the In c 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


247 


dians ; but I scoffed at fear, and, by Grod’s aid, have reached 
you in safety. I was certainly alarmed by the strange cry 
uttered by my dear J ack, whose voice I did not recognise ; 
but though I raised my rifle, I was determined that, only in 
the last extremity, would I shed the blood of a fellow. crea- 
ture. And now, my beloved friends, that I am once more 
with you, I should be perfectly happy, were it not for the 
one melancholy and perplexing thought that ever haunts my 
mind.” 

“You must not be unhappy, Almagro,” said Mary, “for 
Jack and I have considered several plans over for seeking 
Zara. We are all convinced she is living, and that you will 
meet again.” 

“ May God grant it ! my kind-hearted children,” said Al- 
magro. “ But see how late it is ! my long story has kept us 
beyond the hour of retiring. To-morrow you must examine 
my packages.” 

And then, after the evening devotions, they separated well 
pleased, after the labor and interest of the day. 

The next morning was full of excitement, for all the novel- 
ties had to be inspected : there were several useful carpenter’s 
tools, a scfthe, and two reaping-hooks ; and the most con- 
spicuous package was an especial gift for Nanny, from her 
old friend Mrs. Douglas. It was a large square basket, with 
open bars on one side, filled with real living poultry, six hav- 
ing survived the journey j these arrived in good condition, 
and when they were turned into the little poultry-yard, and 
Nanny heard the crowing of the cock, and the clucking of the 
hens, she wept with joy. 

A box, from Mrs. Douglas, contained handsome books, 
vestments, and a small silver communion service, for the use 
of the church; and, by the order of Charles, Almagro had 
purchased a large bell to be laised over the building. Mr. 
(’arruthers had sent some books, maps, paper, drawing mate- 
rials, a flute, and another guitar. There were some pieces 
of India calico and nankin, needles and thread, and a small 
hamper of crockery. A most useful present for Dr. Lewis 
of a well-filled medicine-chest, and a complete case of sur- 
gical instruments, was brought by the order of Charles, 
which had been augmented by the attached friends at 
Santiago. 


248 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


There were many other useful donations feo the com^nunity, 
• procured by the liberality of Charles, including two copper- 
pans, a large quantity of tea and sugar, and a hamper of 
wine and brandy, which was by the desire of all immediately 
put in charge of Lewis, to be considered as medicine. Alma- 
gro had also succeeded in procuring some neat lamps, which 
could be burnt with animal oil ] and as much ammunition as 
he could conveniently bring. A great quantity of seeds, 
cuttings of fruit trees, with a number of trifles, all of great 
use, completed the cargo. 

“ I have but one package more — it is my own forlorn 
hope,” said Almagro, as he produced a large packet of 
colored beads. These I hoped might aid me in my attempt 
to reach my daughter.” 

Nanny had in the mean time been arranging the kitchen, 
which she declared was now complete. “ I defy her Majesty, 
Queen Victoria, to show me better pans, though, likely 
enough, she may have more of them. Master Charles is a 
gentleman ; and, if it please God to spare me, I hope to dance 
at his wedding. To think of his sending all that way for 
such a grand red cloak and velvet bonnet for me, that I 
might go to church dressed like a Christian. And for him to 
think of the cheese-mould too ! See what a cheese he shall 
have soon.” 

And Nanny spread her table, which was now a good, 
smooth, firm table, made by experienced hands, and she 
declared the table was a sight to see, set out with china 
plates, and the roast beef and potatoes on their “ nat’ral 
dish.” Then there was a real loaf of wheaten bread, an ex- 
travagance not usual •, and fresh butter, such as Westmoreland 
dairy-maids can make ; and she promised a peach-pie, baked 
in a proper pie-dish, on the anniversary of their arrival at the 
hut, which would be two days after. 

After they had dined, and while the young ladies were ar- 
ranging the books, maps, and all the new acquisitions, the 
active workmen fitted up the bell over the church. The 
erection was not a miracle of art; but it answered the 
purpose of suspending the bell, which would be useful not 
only to call them to prayer, but to summon the absent in 
time of need. They tried the sound, and were all satisfied 
with it. 


THE MERTON EAMILY. 


249 


Truly we ought to be thankful to the good God,” said 
Mr. Merton, “ who brought us from the wilderness into this 
pleasant land, and has surrounded us with multiplied blessings. 
But, my children, we must not take our ease here in selfish 
indolence. God had some wise purpose in view when he 
placed us here. Let us act !” 

Mr. Merton was not active himself; but he loved to preach 
action ; and as he continued to enforce this duty, his words 
became powerful and eflfective^ and the happy little party felt 
convinced that it was not their duty to live for their own en- 
joyment : the world had a claim on them. 

“ Yet the Swiss Robinson family,” observed Matilda, 
“ lived very easy and pleasantly, caring nothing for the rest 
of the world.” 

“ As the story places them,” replied Mr. Merton, this 
inaction was unavoidable. But we are not left on an inac- 
cessible island ; we are amongst hordes of wretched heathens ; 
we ought not to rest ; our mission is to labor, to spread the 
blessings we enjoy among our destitute fellow creatures ; and 
God himself will surely point out to us the way to accomplish 
his ends,” 

“I am quite ready,” said Jack; ‘‘what shall I begin to 
do first ?” 

“ Well, if you please. Master Jack,” answered Nanny, 
“ As you were always a good-hearted lad, will you begin by 
getting me a great basket full of them — fir apples — I call 
them. I never could abide to set them before Christians for 
meat ; but if I had some now, I could roast and mash them 
up, and they would fatten the poultry famously; for young 
folks should be wiser than to give good meat to dumb ani- 
mals.” This latter remark was directed to Mary, who was 
scattering maize in the poultry-yard. 

“ Nanny is quite right,” observed Lewis ! “ the plnones 
are certainly the most nutritious and economical food we can 
give to the fowls, so we must all collect them in spare 
moments.” 

It was in pursuance of this counsel that Jack and Maria 
stole forth one fine evening with their baskets, not speaking 
of their intention to the rest of the family, who, weary with 
the labors of the day, had sat down to read or draw. For 
some time the absence of the lively pair was unnoticed, but 


250 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

when it was remarked, Mrs. Merton became uneasy ; and 
Matilda suggesting the probability of their having rambled to 
some of the mountain woods for pinones, Lewis proposed 
that, instead of ringing the bell, which might summon un- 
pleasant visitors, he and Charles should follow their track, 
and bring them home. 

They set out, feeling no uneasiness, as they expected the 
young ramblers would have confined their search to the 
woods on their own side of the river ; but when they reached 
the shore, they were vexed to see that the adventurous pair 
had placed large stones to form a temporary bridge over a 
shallow part of the stream, much lower in the valley than the 
settlement. 

“ The stream is already too low, from the absorbing heat 
of the last few days,” said Lewis, “ to be a secure defence to 
us ; and we must certainly not permit this very easy mode of 
access to remain, to invite any passing Indian to visit our 
settlement. When we return, we must make the wild young 
pair assist us in removing their bridge.” 

“ I think we might easily construct a moveable wooden 
bridge,” said Charles, which we could withdraw with plea- 
sure, for it is really inconvenient and dangerous to cross 
the river on foot. I have often thought of the plan. We 
have tools, materials, heads, and hands, and we must certain- 
ly set about it.” 

After crossing the river, they followed the track to the 
wooded hills, which separated the valley from the Pampas — 
certainly a great distance for the young people to have strayed; 
but on these hills the pines were most abundant. They 
ascended the hills, and were taking the road down the de- 
scent towards some well-known pines, when they were struck 
with dismay by the sound of continued piercing shrieks. They 
forced their way rapidly through the wood till they reached 
the plains, and there, at a considerable distance, they saw xMa- 
ria standing, her hands lifted up, while she uttered the loud 
cries which caused them so much alarm. When they reached 
her, she gazed wildly at them, then, sinking down on the 
gound, she cried out, in a frantic voice, “ He is lost for ever ! 
We shall never see him more ! What will become of ray dear, 
kind mamma ! And will she ever forgive me !” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


261 


Pr. Lewis, in a firm tone, commanded her to restrain 
her immoderate and useless grief, and to tell them the cause 
of it. 

The girl made a great effort to subdue her feelings, then, 
in a voice scarcely articulate, she said, “ The barbarous In- 
dians have carried him off, and it was all my fault ; my dear, 
dear Jack !” 

“ But when ? and where asked Charles, hastily. “ Point 
out the road the wretches have taken, that we may pursue 
them.” 

“ Alas ! it is long since,” answered the weeping girl. I 
cannot tell you what time has elapsed since, for I fell on the 
ground when I lost sight of him, unable to move or cry. It 
was long before I recovered ; and now they must be far 
beyond pursuit, for they galloped like lightning towards the 
south.” 

‘‘ And now, Maria,” said Lewis, in great perturbation, 
“ compose yourself, and tell us how this distressing event 
occurred ; for I see how useless the attempt would be for 
two unmounted men to pursue the Indians on their swift 
horses.” 

“We were in the wood, just above the plain,” said Maria, 
“ and had nearly filled our baskets with pinones, when I heard 
a rushing sound, and through the trees I saw a number of 
Indians on horses, galloping towards the south. I believed 
they were going to Esperanza, and that fear bereft me of rea- 
son, for though Jack made me a sign for silence, I scarcely 
noticed it, and could not forbear uttering a loud scream. The 
Indians stopped and looked round ; then Jack said, ‘ Hide 
yourself Maria, and I will go and meet them.’ He plucked 
a green branch, and, springing down the wood, ran across the 
plain directly to the man who rode at the head of the party, 
and who wore long white plumes. 

“ I saw Jack address the Indians ; but I was at too great a 
distance to be able to hear the words. I covered my eyes, 
lest I should see the barbarians murder him, Again I looked 
up, for I heard his voice : he now spoke loudly, and in Eng- 
lish. ‘ For the sake of Mamma,’ he said, < be still. Eeturn 
home, and say I am safe.’ I heeded not his request ; I en- 
deavored to follow him; but my limbs were paralyzed with 
agitation ; and I could not extricate myself from the bushes. 


252 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

When I ventured to look up again, I saw mj dear Jack 
mounted before a strong fierce savage ; I saw also that his 
hands were bound, and that he was a slave. My strength re- 
turned, I rushed forward ; but alas ! it was too late. The 
whole troop were fiying over the plain, carrying with 
them my brave, my beloved brother, the victim of my rash 

folly.’’ 

The sorrowful girl burst out into new lamentations, and it 
required even a degree of severity on the part of Lewis, to 
compel her to subdue these violent demonstrations, and 
to proceed homewards, where it was needful they should 
immediately return, to communicate their distressing ti- 
dings. 

‘‘ My dear Lewis,” said Charles, “ what shall we do ? how 
shall we break the fatal event to our friends? and then how must 
we act to endeavor, even at the risk of our lives, to recover 
the noble and heroic lad ? Consider some plan, for you havo 
more prudence and judgment than I have.” 

‘‘ Prudence and judgment we must use, Charles,” answered 
Lewis ; but even with these counsellors we cannot command 
success. Our first care must be to discover, if possible, the 
situation of our dear boy ; but even then, I fear it would be 
alike dangerous and fruitless to attack the tribe openly with 
our small force. Our aim must be therefore, if he be living, 
to labor to effect his escape secretly.” 

“ If they had not meant to spare his life,” said Charles, “ I 
do not see why they took the trouble to carry him off. These 
tribes of the Pampas, are not cannibals, like some of the South 
Patagonians and Fuegians. I shall certainly set out to search 
for their tents.” 

‘‘ I believe,” said Maria, “ that the leader was the same 
chief who commanded at the attack on Esperanza. I re- 
marked the same form of head-dress, with the silver band : 
and from the observation I was able to make by torch-light, 
I feel convinced that I distinguished again the same tall 
and graceful figure.” 

“ I trust it may be so,” answered Lewis, as it indicates 
that the tribe cannot be very distant from us. Besides, I 
should be glad that the knowledge of our existence should, 
at all events, be confined to one tribe.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


253 


After crossing the river, they removed the stepping-stones 
h-jd then, slowly and reluctantly, went forward to that plea. 
Sant home, of which they were compelled now to disturb the 
peace, perhaps for ever. Before they reached the gate they 
met Mr. Merton and Mary, anxiously walking on to seek 
them. No sooner had he cast his eyes on the diminished 
number, than Mr. Merton turned pale, covered his face, and 
said : “ ]My boy ! my unfortunate boy is slain !” 

“ Not so, my best friend,” said Lewis. He is well, and 
I hope we shall soon have him with us again ; but, for the 
present, he is removed from us.” 

They reached home, and then, with caution and delicacy, 
Lewis revealed the sad fact to the family, adding all the cheer- 
ing circumstances of hope he could venture to point out ; but 
no light of hope appeared to the unhappy family, who were 
at once plunged into sorrow, even into despair. 

“ His death I could have borne with more fortitude,” said 
the hapless mother, than this frightful uncertainty of his 
fate. We know these savage heathens are, by nature, cruel 
and revengeful ; and why should they spare him ^ Perhaps 
they carried him off but to torture, to put him to some cruel 
death, or, at best to consign him to a slavery worse than 
death.’’ 

Dr. Lewis pointed out specially to the parents, the advan- 
tage Jack possessed in being able to speak Spanish fluently, 
for most of the Pampas Indians understand that language, 
from visiting the Spanish settlements, where they exchange 
hides and ostrich feathers for iron and tobacco. Then the 
bold and frank address of the lad, his dauntless bravery, his 
skill in riding and hunting, were qualities likely to attract 
these uncivilized people to induce them to spare him, and 
even to be kind to him. 

And who knows what a blessing may arise from dear 
Jack’s residence with the Indians,” said Tom. It may be, 
papa, that (rod has ordered it, to open to us a way of commu- 
nication with a people appointed to be instructed and en- 
lightened.” 

“ I am reproved, my son,” replied Mr. Merton. ‘‘ The or- 
dinations of God are ever just and merciful ; and this, our 
first sorrow must humble our pride and confidence. I will 
pray to be resigned. Follow me, my children, let us humble 


254 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

ourselves before God, and petition for his mercy and protec- 
tion for our beloved lost one.” 

Surrounded by his afflicted family, the good father offered 
up those earnest prayers that are never offered in vain j and 
then, overcome with the painful excitement of the day, the 
family retired j not to rest, but to consider plans for the dis- 
•overy of the unfortunate Jack. 

« Now, my children,” said the pale and anxious father, 
when they met in consultation next morning, My duty and 
inclination alike call on me to seek my son. I will go forth, 
clad in the armor which God gives to his ministers, — Faith in 
his blessed word ; and thus armed, I will preach the Gospel 
to the heathen.” 

“ That, I fervently trust, you shall do, my dear sir,” said 
Lewis ; “ but this is not your favorable moment, believe me. 
You are not able to gallop across the Pampas, to ford rivers, 
to travel night and day, regardless of food or rest, in order 
to search out the robbers and obtain restitution. Let the 
young and active undertake this duty 5 your hour will yet 
come, I feel assured.” 

“ But I may, surely, be permitted to go in search for my 
brother,” said Maria. “ I can ride and endure hardships. I 
would enter the tents of the Indians, and entreat them to 
restore my brother to me.” 

“That cannot be, Maria,” replied Lewis, firmly. “We 
know your ardent desire to aid us, but your presence would 
only impede our efforts ; a female would sink under the hard- 
ships of our proposed journey, and could not possibly assist 
us. And now, my friends, I am of opinion, that out of the 
four who are really fit for this attempt, two must be left to 
protect the fortress. I leave you to determine who shall 
have the honor and responsibility of the adventure.” 

“ May I speak, Lewis,” said Matilda. “ I will not direct, 
but I may advise. I think you, or Almagro, must be left in 
command of the fort ; for Tom is too dreamy, and Charles too 
hasty, for the office.” 

“ My dear girl, you are quite right in this instance,” an- 
swered Lewis. “ And because our dear friend Almagro’s 
feelings might become too deeply excited in any encounter 
with his foes, and discretion must be one of our strongest 
weapons, I propose to lead the party myself, taking Charles 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


255 


for my aiae-de-camp. Almagro will carefully protect the 
dear family here ; Wallace will be a staunch and vigilani: 
sentinel, and you, Matilda, must take care that Tom does not 
dream. And now, Charles, let us set out j no time must be 
lost j I will mount Pampero, and you must take old Niger, 
who is strong as well as swift.” 

The preparations were soon completed ; the saddle-bags 
were filled with charqui and biscuits, some colored beads, and 
a supply of ammunition ; bolas and lassoes were attached to 
the saddles ; each had a long knife in his girdle, a double- 
barrelled rifle for himself (and they did not forget to carry 
one for Jack), and across his shoulder a long bullock’s horn 
suspended, to carry water. Each had a good telescope, pro- 
cured by Almagro at Santiago, and each wore a warm poncho 
which was to form his bed at night ; for no hardships were 
to be regarded in this important undertaking. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

The Search for Jack on the Southern Pampas. The Indian Bridge. 
Discovery of the Indian Huts, and Jack in Captivity. The Indian 
Hunters. The Escape, The Destruction of the Bridge. A terri* 
ble Nocturnal Visitor. 

After Almagro had received their last injunctions, the 
two gentlemen parted from their mourning friends, and con- 
tinued to ride along the banks of the river till they reached 
its confluence with the large stream, which flowed to the 
south; then they paused to consider whether they should 
attempt to cross the river, or continue to travel towards the 
south. On the latter course they finally agreed ; and riding 
swiftly over the level plain, proceeded about fifteen miles be- 
fore they permitted the weary horses to rest. ..They then 
carefully examined the country round them ; they were on a 
grassy plain upon which lofty trees were scattered with the 
graceful order of Nature ; but no trace of man appeared. 
The agouti was bounding over the plain, the partridge spring- 


256 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

ing from the long grass, the parrot chattering on one tree and 
the mocking-bird repeating the unmusical note from another. 
It was a beautiful solitude, and the two friends sighed at the 
conviction that the solitude had never been disturbed. 

“ We are certainly not on the track, Lewis,” said Charles ; 

and I regret now that we did not bring the sagacious Wal- 
lace, he would certainly have tracked his friend Jack.” 

“ I had the thought myself,” replied Lewis, “but I was 
unwilling to deprive the fortress of its best guard ; and, 
moreover, I believe it would have been an act of imprudence, 
for we could not certainly have approached the tents secretly 
if the dog had been our companion, and open defiance would 
have been madness.” 

Charles climbed a tall tree, and swept the country with his 
glass, but was unable to discover a smoke to guide them in 
their course ; and after an hour’s rest and refreshment, they 
once more mounted, and, travelling more to the south-east, 
accomplished fifteen miles more before excessive fatigue and 
the increasing darkness compelled them to desist. They 
selected the shelter of a large tree for their lodging, tying 
the horses to the tree with a long lasso, which permitted them 
to feed. Then, lighting a fire to guard them from the wild 
beasts, they ate a little food, and lay down rolled in their 
ponchos ; and though the night was cold, and the solitude 
mournful, they slept profoundly. 

They rose at daybreak, and after breakfasting on bread and 
water, which they had brought with them, for they had only 
continued a few miles on the course of the river, they again 
surveyed the country, and fancied that at a great distance 
towards the east they could distinguish cattle or horses on 
the plain. They concluded that the Indians would be most 
likely to settle on a spot frequented by cattle, and therefore 
set out in that direction, though Lewis was unwilling to go so 
far from the Cordilleras. 

But this day passed, like the preceding one, without their 
meeting with any trace of man, or seeing the cattle, which 
bad probably fled before them. They saw only the ostrich 
scouring the plain, which had now become undulating, and 
the grass now rich and thick, but, to their great distress, they 
reached no water. They believed that they were now about 
twenty miles from the Andes, though the lofty mountains ap- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


25 *; 


peared still close at hand, and they had travelled about fifty 
miles south from Esperanza. 

The third day, the water they carried in their horns was 
exhausted, and they went on with languid frames and faint- 
ing hearts. Lewis suggested that their best plan now was to 
proceed directly south, by which means they must certainly 
reach one of the many rivers which flow from the Andes, and 
towards the evening they heard, long before it was in sight, 
the joyful sound of the rushing water. 

They set forward with new vigor, and at length reached 
the lofty banks of a noble river ; but it was some time before 
they found a break in the rocky shores, which enabled them 
to reach the water, and enjoy the delicious draught, in which 
luxury the panting horses gladly participated. Then, re- 
luctant to leave the long-desired acquisition, they lay down 
under a tall willow, close to the stream, and slept the sleep 
of the weary. It was not till the next morning that they 
were struck with the embarrassing thought of how they should 
cross the river. It was not more than twenty feet broad, but, 
confined between, steep banks, it was deep and rapid. They 
did not dare to risk swimming the horses across the tor- 
rent, as besides being weakened by fatigue, the animals 
carried the precious stores of their provision and ammuni- 
tion. 

“ Surely,” observed Charles, “ there will be a ford lower 
down ; for the maurading Indians, in their excursions to the 
north, must necessarily cross the river.” 

“ There can be no doubt of it,” replied Lewis j “ we must 
therefore ride down the shore, and shall thus, at all events, 
have no scarcity of water to-day. Besides, I think that I 
now observe a large lake lying to the left.” 

‘‘There certainly is,” answered Charles; but tell me, 
Lewis, what are thosf* curious gorgeous birds crowded on the 
banks ?” 

They rode up the lake, which was a large salina, and in the 
beds of mud on the banks, the birds continued to wade about, 
careless of their approach. 

“ These bright creatures,” said Lewis, “ are flamingoes. 
Observe the long slender neck, and immensely long legs of 
the bird, uhich, though 'the body is not larger than a goose, 
stands as high as you, and at a distance, when standing in a 

17 


258 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


line with their bright scarlet plumage, you might take a flock 
of these birds for a regiment of soldiers. They are now busy 
seeking for the worms which burrow in that briny mud of such 
ill-odor, and T think the flesh of the bird can scarcely escape 
the taint ; so we will leave them to parade their beauty in un- 
molested peace, and content ourselves with our hard char- 
qui ; not even being tempted to try that extraordinary luxury 
of the epicurean Romans, a dish of flamingoes’ tongues. See, 
Charles, these large crystals in the mud are gypsum, and these 
are sulphate of soda ; I regret that we dare not encumber 
ourselves with them at present, but, doubtless in the salinas 
near Esperanza we might discover the same deposites.” 

After riding about two miles down the river, they arrived 
at a sort of suspension bridge, of indifferent wormanship, evi- 
dently formed by untaught men, but truly welcome to their 
sight. Three short, strong poles were driven into the ground, 
about a yard apart from each other, to each of these was 
fastened the end of a thick strong rope of twisted hide; a sort of 
platform was laid on these three ropes, by attaching a number of 
transverse rods close together, twisting the ropes round each 
end and the middle. This platform was stretched across the 
river, and secured to three posts in the same way on the op- 
posite side. The appearance of this bridge, which was much 
curved and very narrow, with no protection at the side, was 
alarming. Lewis walked upon it himself first- he found there 
was a dangerous oscillation ; but there was no other resource, 
so they dismounted, and, one after the other, led the unwil- 
ling horses over the perilous pass. The poor animals trem- 
bled greatly, but, by keeping exactly in the middle of the 
bridge they all got over in safety. Lewis then paused, and 
looking at the bridge, he said, “ Charles, we must mark this 
spot, and take care to strike on it at our return, if God spares 
us to return.” 

They were now confident of the direction, and became more 
cautious, as they were certainly on the track of Indians ; 
t}»ey even saw the marks of the horses’ feet on the grass, and 
they were careful to follow the same track exactly, that they 
might leave no trace of their own. When they rested to eat 
their scanty meal, Charles mounted a tree, as usual, to take 
a suivey around. “Come up, Lewis,” he cried, “and tell 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


259 


me if you do not see smokes 5 I believe vve are near the 
enemy now.” The smokes were indeed within a mile of 
them, and it was necessary to use double caution and consi- 
deration. 

On the r'glit htnd, about twenty yards from them, a thick 
wood extended far to the south, and riding up close to this 
protection, they proceeded onward slowly and watchfully, de- 
termined at the least alarm to take to the wood. When they 
arrived within a quarter of a mile of the smokes, they came in 
sight of a group of dark huts ; then plunging into the 
wood, they made their way through thickets till they reached 
a convenient spot, where a little pasturage was left un- 
covered by bushes, and securing their horses, they sat down 
to consult. 

Our first endeavor,’’ said Lewis, “ must be to ascertain 
if Jack is actually in the power of this tribe ; our next must 
be to open a communication with him. As this appears to be 
the nearest settlement, though it must be sixty or seventy 
miles from Esperanza, we have reason to conclude that these 
men must be the robbers.” 

I have no doubt of it,” answered Charles ; “ but you will 
see, my dear Lewis, that we must separate. It will never do 
to risk all our force at once ; permit me then to take my rifle 
and go forward to reconnoitre.” 

“ Thank you, Charles,” replied Lewis ; “ but I have a 
fixed notion that I have the cooler head of the two. I will 
take the first chance, and if 1 fall or am captured, do your 
best, my good i*ellow.” 

They shook hands, and the tears were in Charles’ eye.s 
when he reluctantly agreed to remain in the same spot till 
Lewis returned, or, at least, for some hours. “ At nil 
events,” he said, “ I shall mount a tree, and establish a look- 
out.” 

Lewis assured him he intended to follow the same prudent 
plan, and took his leave. Firm as his nerves were, and 
strong as the friendly motive which pi(»mpted the attack wa.s, 
it was not without an acceleration of the pulse that he stole 
cautiously through the bushes till he reached a narrow stream- 
let which ha crossed with ease, and then found himself oppo- 
site to the end of the cluster of huts, which were arranged in 
.semi-circle, facing the south 


2C0 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


Lewis was not fifty yards from the huts, and could see that 
tlie^e wretched habitations were merely formed by placing 
three poles triangularly, tied together at the top, and covered 
With the hides of oxen or horses, a small opening being left 
ai (lie side. The hut that stood in the center of the semi- 
circle had a more finished appearance ; it was of square form, 
and much larger than the rest, but, like them, was only 
covered with skins. Before the huts, a number of children, 
quite naked, were rolling about, playing with two or three 
spiteful-looking curs, the sight of which alarmed Lewis great- 
ly, lest they should scent the approach of a stranger. Two 
or three women were standing watching the children. They 
were not ungraceful in form or features ; their complexion 
was a clear brown, their eyes dark and lustrous, and their 
long black hair, which was plaited in tresses, hung down their 
backs, ornamented with the colored feath?rsof the parrot and 
flamingo. The heads were encircled with colored fillets, and 
a loose poncho, of coarse wool or skin, was thrown over the 
shoulders, leaving the arms uncovered. 

Lewis had now ascended a tree of sufficiently thick foli- 
age to conceal him, and he thus obtained a better view of the 
unconscious Indians. After a few minuses, he saw a woman 
come from the entrance of the principal hut. She was dressed 
with more taste and neatness than the rest : a poncho of bright 
scarlet flowed down to her feet, and her head was gracefully 
ornamented with silver bands, and the waving feathers of the 
ostrich. She was followed by a slight tall fig": re, clothed in a 
skin poncho, and leading a little child. The fair hair an- 
nounced one of a diflTerent race, and Lewis felt immediately 
assured that this disguised figure was Jack.. 

The woman, turning to caress the child, appeared to be 
conversing with the attendant ; a circumstance which greatly 
delighted Lewis, who saw that Jack’s aptitude to accommo- 
date himself to circumstances had robbed his slavery of its 
worst features, restraint and ill-treatment. The skin-clad 
attendant then caught up the child, and began to sport with 
it, throwing up a ball and catching it, and, by his graceful 
and active movements, Lewis recognized with certainty the 
dear lost lad. 

After the game at ball had continued some time, the female 
took the child, and retired into the hut j but Jack moved to 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


261 


a distance from the rest, and stood leaning pensively against 
a tree. Lewis thought this a favorable moment, and he ven- 
tured to utter the peculiar note of one of the shrikes, which 
the young people ut Esperanza frequently amused themselves 
by imitating. This bird, Saurop/iagus sulphuratus, was com- 
monly heard near the shores of the river, which it frequented 
in the autumn, when it was migrating from the north, to catch 
the small fish. Its peculiar shrill notes were always pleasing 
to Maria, who told her friends that this bird was named by 
the Spani.'h Guachos Bien ie-veo (I see you well), from its 
cry resembling these articulated sounds. Jack looked up at 
the first cry, and then resumed his melancholy position and 
air ; but Lewis repeating the notes more sharply, he started, 
appeared to meditate for a moment, and then answered in the 
same familiar notes. He seemed at once himself again, un- 
derstanding that friends were at hand ; and he was about to 
cross over to the wood from whence the sound proceeded, 
when the loud discordant blast of a horn was heard. To this 
succeeded the sound of voices, and the trampling of horses, 
and a large body of Indians appeared galloping towards the 
huts, dragging after them their long spears, and the dead 
bodies of several bullocks, mares, and guanacoes. 

At the sound of the horn. Jack had withdrawn into the 
faut ; but when the Indians arrived, he again appeared, with 
the lady in scarlet, and the little boy. A number of women 
rushed from the huts tumultuously, greeting their mates, and 
seizing the produce of the chase. They commenced, with 
long knives, to skin and cut up the animals, and the ground 
before the huts was speedily a scene of carnage. In the 
mean time the men led their horses to the corral, an inclcsure 
that lay between the huts and the wood in which Lewis was 
concealed. The chief, however, who was distinguished by 
his silver diadem and snowy plumes, retired, with the lady 
and child, into the large hut, leaving his horse in charge of 
Jack, who led it to the corral, whistling loudly as he went, 
the familiar air, ‘‘ Meet me by moonlight,” to the great satis- 
faction of Lewis, who understood that Jack was making ready 
for the attempt. 

Having turned the horse into the corral, the boy returned 
to the outside of the huts with the silver stirrups and trap- 
pings of the borse, and sitting down, he began to clean them 


2b^ ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

with grass. Tneu putting down his work, he went forward 
towards the wood, gathering, as he went, some dry moss a'' 
if for the purpose of rubbing the harness. He wandered or. 
till he was not far from the tree in which his friend lay, and 
Lewis ventured to say, in a low, distinct tone, ‘‘ Be prudent, 
prompt, and ready ; when can you come V’ 

Jack, still stooping with his face to the ground, answered, 
At midnight, if possible : they are all fatigued — they will 
not go out to-night. Do you want any provision 

“We should be glad of some slices of beef,” said Lewis j 
adding again, “ be very calm and prudent.” 

“ But, I had nearly forgotten one thing — the dogs said 

the boy, inquiringly. 

“ Give them meat,” said Lewis, “ over which you must 
strew this powder,” and he flung down a paper containing a 
preparation, which was in fact intended for the jailer, if he 
had found Jack in confinement. 

Jack hesitated, and then said, “ I cannot kill them, Lewis, 
for I know them all.” 

“ My dear lad, I promise, this will stupify, but not injure 
them,” said Lewis. 

Jack was satisfied, and snatching up the paper, he con- 
cealed it under his poncho, and returned, with a handful of 
moss, to clean the harness. For some time a great confusion 
continued before the huts : the women cut long strips of flesh, 
which, with the skins of the animals, were hung up to dry. 
Then they feasted on the raw flesh, and washed their hair in 
the pools of blood. It was a revolting sight, and Lewis, who 
felt some interest in the female who appeared to be the 
mistress of Jack, was glad to observe that she, as well as 
the chief, remained in their hut during the noisy revels : and 
Jack, after he had concluded his task, took the harness into 
the same hut. 

All this time Lewis had not dared to leave his concealment 
m the tree, lest some accident should betray him. At length 
darkness came on ; one after another the Indians retired to 
the huts, and all was still. Then, by the light of the young 
moon, he saw Jack steal out, carrying a large4)iece of meat, 
which he threw to the dogs, which were then noiselessly quar- 
relling over the fragments of the feast. They rushed on the 
now spoil, and soon tore it in pieces and devoured it ; a great 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


263 


satisfaction to Lewis, who was confident of the success of the 
preparation, which was a powerful opiate. In another hour 
all was silence, and he trusted, security. 

He watched anxiously for several minutes ; then he heard 
a rustling sound below the tree, and a whisper of “ Lewis ! 
dear Lewis !” 

The boy had actually crawled through the long grass, and 
by the dim light, had been unmarked, even by the watchful 
Lewis. 

In a moment he was down from the tree, and seizing Jack’s 
hand, was plunging with him into the thick wood. 

“ Stay one moment, Lewis, and tell me, have you a horse 
for me asked Jack. 

“We have not, my boy 5 you must mount behind Charles 
on Niger,” was the reply. 

“ I have a lasso ; and I think I can take one from the 
corral unpereeived,” said Jack ; putting a large piece of beef 
into his friend’s hand, and unrolling the lasso. 

This was a dangerous undertaking, but the necessity was 
great; and though Lewis was aware Mr. Merton would not have 
sanctioned it, he consented to the experiment, determining to 
turn the animal loose when they reached home. So Jack 
crept quietly to the corral, and selecting a horse he knew to 
be swift and untiring, he led it out quietly, and brought it 
safely into the shelter of the wood. They moved onward 
without a word, till they reached the anxious and half- 
despairing Charles. No time could be spared for greeting; 
they mounted without delay, and dashed forward over the 
plain, as nearly as Lewis could calculate in the track they had 
come on in the morning ; but the moon was set, and they had 
to rely greatly on the sagacity of the horses. 

For five hours they travelled without rest, and morning 
began to dawn ; still the river, anxiously looked for, was not 
in sight. The horses began to flag, and they proposed to take 
a short rest ; but just as they drew up, Charles exclaimed, 
“ Hist ! I fear we are pursued !” 

It was too true ; they could distinguish the rushing of the 
horses, and the cry of the pursuers through the clear morn- 
ing air. They looked on each other with dismay : “ On ! on !” 
cried Lewis. “ Let us only reach the river, and we may yet 


264 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


escape. We surely cannot now be far from it j and see, we 
a e on the track that leads to the bridge.’’ 

In fact, the horses, even in the dark, had kept on the beat'* 
en road, and now, as if sensible of the danger of their riders, 
they pressed on vigorously, (,’harles looked back j he saw a 
dark moving mass at a distance, threatening destruction ; a 
few minutes after he looked again ; the Indians gained upon 
them ; another quarter of an hour and they were lost. 

Lewis !” he cried, “ all is over ; the Indians are close at our 
heels.” 

“ Hark ! Charley !” answered Lewis 3 « listen to the music 
of the torrent ! Now, my good fellow, I know you can swim 
the river ; so you be making ready, as we gallop on. You 
must save us !” 

In five minutes they reached the bridge, and dismounted. 
“ Now Charles,” said Lewis, “ you remain here till we lead 
the horses over. Give us your clothes, which you are better 
without. As soon as we have crossed, cut the ropes on your 
side ; I will do the same on the opposite side. Then plunge 
in, and swim over. But first let me throw this long 
lasso round your waist, the end of which I shall attach 
to my arm ; for we will not have you sacrificed for our 
sake.” 

All was accomplished with the speed of lightning. They 
crossed the bridge in safety ; and while Jack held the panting, 
trembling horses, permitting them to drink, and feast on a 
mouthful of grass, Lewis and Charles at the same moment cut 
the strong ropes through at each end of the bridge, which was 
immediately whirled down the rapid stream, and was out of 
sight before Charles, holding his long knife between his teeth, 
had swam across. The Indians were now within a hundred 
yards of the river, shrieking loudly, and threatening with their 
long spears ; and though the young men were rather curious 
to see the effect the loss of the bridge would have on their 
pursuers, thought it prudent to move forward, though they 
now proceeded leisurely. 

They looked round when they heard the loud cries of the 
Indians on their discovery of the stratagem, and saw that great 
confusion pervaded the party j who, finally, rode off swiftly 
down the course of the river. 

“ I hope they have no other bridge,” exclaimed Lewis. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


265 


“ I have reason to believe they have not,*’ said Jack. 

And it will take weeks to out the wood and make another. 
i think they are following the stream in hopes of recovering 
the bridge.’’ 

“ I trust they may go on,” answered Lewis ; “ for it must 
be a tremendous impediment that could arrest such a cum* 
brous float ; and it would take a long time to replace it.” 

“ I know that this bridge was formed when the river was 
frozen over,” said Jack ; “ and they were thus able to cross 
it. None of this tribe can swim, or would venture to swim 
their horses over a river like this. But we must always be 
on the watch ; for I know we have many a weary league to 
pass before we reach dear Esperanza.” 

They were all of opinion that it would now be advisable to 
diverge towards the mountains, as the woods which extended 
along the foot of the rocks offered shelter, and many streams 
were to be met with ; besides they were certain of losing no 
ground if they. followed the sure guidance of the Cordilleras. 
They soon fell in with a shallow stream ffowing diroctiy from 
the mountains, and Jack proposed that they should ascend 
in the water for some miles, and thus disguise the track, which 
the Indians can readily detect on the plains. 

The plan being approved, they rode up the stream for five 
or six miles ; then entering a thicket of low trees, they sat 
down to rest themselves and their weary horses. They even 
ventured to make a fire and boil some beef, for hungry as they 
were, they could not eat it raw. Then Jack heard the story 
of the distress at home, and the anxious search made by his 
two friends.” 

“We must defer hearing your story till we get home, 
Jack,” said Charles. “ Only tell me, is that graceful, scar- 
let-robed princes, an Indian V’ 

“ No, Charley ; that is the best thing in all my story,” re- 
plied Jack ; “ but I cannot help telling it now. That is 
Zara ! Almagro’s Zara. And she knows her father is well, 
and is our dear friend. And she knew I meant to escape ; 
but the tribe are all so ferocious she could not help me. Now 
I will tell no more till I get home.” 

“ As if we did not know all now,” said Charles, laughing, 
“ How Zara is the wife of the noble looking chief; and how 


266 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


she was divided between her duty to her husband and her 
father.” 

Lewis stopped Charles declaring it was not fair to extort 
the story by anticipations and guesses; so Jack was al- 
lowed to preserve all that remained of his secret till he got 
home. 

After dinner they accomplished another fifteen miles, still 
approaching nearer the mountains ; then entirely worn out for 
want of rest, they unharnessed the horses, tied them to trees, 
and wrapped in their ponchos, with their saddles for pillows, 
slept profoundly. An unusual growling sound awoke Charles, 
who, looking up drowsily, saw two large eyes glaring through 
the bushes. 

He was wide awake in a moment, and, seizing his rifle, was 
about to fire, when a large puma sprung across Jack, who was 
lying at the feet of Charles, and alighted on the unfortunate 
Indian horse, which Jack had tied close to his own sleeping- 
place. The huge beast seized the head of the horse, and 
drawing it back, dislocated the neck ; and in a moment had 
plunged into the woods beyond with its spoil, and was out of 
sight. Charles was mortified that he had lost the opportu- 
nity of firing at the beast ; but Lewis, who as well as Jack 
was waked up with the tumult, was only too grately that they 
had all escaped, and that the puma had preferred horse flesh 
I' human flesh. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


267 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


The tedious Journey completed. The Alarm-bell. Skirmish with 
the Indians. The destruction of the Hut. The Wounded Indian 
Jack's Story of his Captivity, and the Account of the Indian At" 
tack 

“ And now, Charles,” said Lewis, we shall be compelled 
to trouble Niger to carry double. There is nothing else for 
it; and the sooner we leave this puma-haunted wood the 
better ; we shall enjoy our breakfast more at the next sta- 
tion.” 

Charles and Jack mounted the steady Niger, who evinced 
as much reluctance as they did to this undignified practice ; 
but the case was urgent ; and after obtaining a supply of wa- 
ter, they set out with some abatement of speed. They had 
not proceeded far when they came in sight of a troop of horses, 
and Jack begged to be allowed to mount Pampero, and las- 
so a horse for himself, an exploit he speedily accomplished, 
taking care to select one with the mane and tail cropped, 
the marks of servitude which proclaimed that it was broken 
in, and ready for use ; for it is the custom of the Indians, as 
well as the Gruachos, to turn their horses loose when they are 
fatigued, and lasso others from the troops which are scattered 
over the Pampas, half wild, and half accustomed to the 
bridle. 

The horse was strong and swift, and Jack felt himself a 
man once more. The friends now galloped forward cheerful- 
ly, and made a full days journey unmolested ; but the neces- 
sary refreshment of the evening exhausted all their provision, 
and they had still two days’ journey before them. Next 
morning they set out without breakfast, and travelled, faint 
and spiritless for some hours, when fortunately an agouti 
crossed their path, which immediately fell a sacrifice. They 
were too anxious for food to proceed now, therefore, alight- 
ing, and looking carefully round to ascertain that no puma 
lurked in the bushes, they tethered their horses, and began 


268 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

their labor. Charles offered to be groom, and Jack to make 
the fire and broil the meat, if Lewis who was more accustomed 
to such bloody tasks than they were, would undertake to skin 
and cut up the agouti. Indeed, Jack declared he should 
never like to see raw meat again ; he had been so sickened 
with the disgusting habits of his captors, who never cooked 
their food. 

“ I say, Lewis,” observed Charles, ‘‘ these fellow creatures 
of ours' require a strong pull up the ladder of civilization be- 
fore they reach that step when they attain the grand distinc* 
tion of man, and are classed as cooking animals.” 

“ Zara was kind enough to permit me,” said Jack, “ to 
broil a slice of meat over a fire 1 made in some corner, while 
the men were out hunting. She had herself become accus- 
tomed to eat raw flesh ; but when 1 had persuaded her to try 
my cookery, she recovered her former taste, and said she 
would always eat her meat broiled, for it recalled the memory 
of home. I taught her to cook ; and I hope she will persuade 
the chief to eat of her cookery.” 

And thus, you see, Charles,” said Lewis, “ the first step 
up the ladder will be accomplished. The work of civiliza- 
tion is continually progressing; and whatever may be the 
secondary means, it must be accomplished, for God .has or- 
dained it.” 

As they talked, the agouti was skinned and cut into small 
pieces, which were spitted on a thin wooden rod and placed 
before the fire. The party sat round anxiously watching till 
the meat assumed some appearance of cooked food, and then 
eat it from the spit in a true savage fashion, without salt, and, 
unfortunately, without water as they had met with none 
during the day. After dinner, they carefully collected the 
fragments and journeyed onwards, and before night they 
happily arrived at a stream, and refreshed their parched 
frames with the precious beverage. 

Morning saw them spring up with joyful hopes ; forgetting 
their weak and languid state, they ate their breakfast merrily, 
filled the horns with water, and then set out, careless of pro- 
viding more food, and all thinking only of home. But a long 
day’s journey completely wore out the horses, which now 
could only move slowly, even when the riders dismounted and 
led them ; and Lewis frequently looked anxiously round, for 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


269 


now they had no chance of escaping pursuit. How relieved 
they felt when they caught the first view of the lofty green 
hills that bounded their sweet valley at the east ! But the 
shades of evening had come on before they reached the banks 
of their own beloved river. 

As they paused a moment to refresh themselves at the 
stream, Jack suddenly started, and with a pale and anxious 
countenance cried out, “ Lewis ! see here the recent traces 
of many horsemen. Let us on ! the Indians have been 
here ! Oh, my dear, dear friends, shall I never see you 
more 

It was terrible to see Jack desponding ; his buoyant spirits 
usually rose above every care and sorrow ; but the fearful 
sight entirely overcame him. No more words were spoken ; 
the wearied horses were urged on ; the rifles were examined ; 
all was made ready for the expected conflict. At that mo- 
ment the sound of the bell reached their ears ; they knew 
their friends were still safe, but calling on them for assistance, 
and this thoughj, restored even Jack to hope. Then they heard 
the well-known, evei-dreaded shriek of the Indians, mingled 
with confused cries. 

‘‘ Seek the shelter of the wood,” said Lewis ; “ from thence 
we may surprise them, and they may not discover the weak- 
ness of our force ; but let no one fire till 1 speak.” 

They arrived in sight of their fortress ; and, heart-rending 
sight ! they behold the fence which they had trusted in as 
perfectly secure, blazing furiously, and by the light they saw 
the dark countenances of a horde of mounted savages, who 
were continually flinging fresh torches on the fence to com- 
plete the work of destruction. 

Lewis whispered a few words of instruction to his friends, 
then gave the word ; they immediately set up three loud 
cheers, and at the same moment fired their three rifles at the 
back of the enemy. They had neither time nor necessity to 
discharge their second barrel, foi the dismayed Indians, be- 
lieving they were attacked by a numerous force, fled with 
precipitation, leaving one of their number lying wounded on 
the ground, still holding the bridle of his horse. 

The shouts of the friends and the report of their tiie-arms 
were music to the cars of the half-distracted family ; and 
Maria, from her old station on the observatory, having pro- 


270 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS Of 


claimed the retreat of the enemy, the gate was speedily un- 
barred to admit the welcome guests. But there was no time 
for explanation or rejoicing ; the fire was rapidly spreading ; 
and though the water and pipes were ready, there were no 
hands to work. The attack had been so sudden that, except 
Almagro, no one had possessed power to act. The cool 
presence of mind of Lewis, and the activity of his two as- 
sistants, were invaluable, they soon poured a torrent of water 
and extinguished the flames of the fence, but not before the 
roof of Mr. Merton’s house had caught fire. 

Every one was now employed, for even the females hastened 
to remove their valuable possessions from the endangered hut. 
Mr. Merton brought out all his books and papers. Nanny 
saved her churn, corn-mill, and pans. They brought away 
the chests of linen, clothes and crockery, and at last anything 
they first caught up ; but much was lost, for the old hut was 
burnt to the ground before the conflagration was finally ar- 
rested ; and it was only the joy of seeing dear Jack again 
that consoled the bereaved family for this misfortune. 

After the fire was extinguished. Jack’s first thought was 
of the poor Indian left lying on the field of battle. Charles 
and Tom brought the senseless form of the stranger to Alma- 
gro’s hut, Jack following them, leading the horse. The In- 
dian was a youth about sixteen years of age, dark com- 
plexioned, with long black hair, which was bound with a fillet 
of silver, indicating that he was a chief, or the son of a chief. 
A scarlet poncho bound round his waist, and boots formed 
from the skin of the colt’s leg, were all the clothes he wore. 
A long knife was stuck in his girdle, and his lance was lying 
by his side on the ground where he was found. Lewis found 
that his arm was shattered by a shot ; the wound had bled 
profusely, and caused him to faint ; but strong applications 
were used, and he recovered his senses, opened his large and 
piercing eyes, and looked round with a glance of bewilder- 
ment. Lewis held a cup to his lips, and induced him to 
swallow some cordial, the youth gazing on him with wonder 
and awe. “ Do not be alarmed,” said Lewis, hi Spanish, 
“ you arc with friends.” The lad seemed to comprehend him, 
for he made an effort to speak, hut could not utter a word 
from his weakened state. But Lewis, still concluding that 
iKi understood the Spanish language, which many of the chiefs 



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THK MEllTON FAMILY. 


27? 


acquire from trading, in their wanderings, with the towns of 
La Plata, told him, in a few plain words, that his life was in 
danger from his wounds and fractured arm ; but that, if he 
was patient and obedient, he hoped that he might be enabled 
to cuie him. 

The young man evidently understood what was said, for he 
shook his head, and closing his eyes, stretched out his body 
to indicate death. Lewis examined the arm, and with the 
assistance of his young friends, reduced the fracture, bound 
up the wounds, and inclosed the limb in a frame of bark ; he 
then enjoined the youth to swallow a cup of medicine, which 
he presented to him, for the purpose of composing him 
to sleep. The patient, who had never shrunk during the 
painful operation, received the draught passively, and in a 
short time was in a profound sleep, on Almagro’s bed of 
skins. 

Lewis assuring them the youth might be safely left, as he 
would not wake for some hours, the family all united under 
the roof that was still left for them, — the house built for their 
departed friends. Almagro took the precaution to place the 
kennel of Wallace near the breach the fire had left in the 
fence, and then they all sat down to hear the tale of Jack. 
Nanny placed before them the unusual luxury of tea, which 
was particularly grateful to Jack, after his long confinement 
to flesh diet ; and gathered cheerfully round the tea-table, ir 
the pleasant hall, the united family forgot for a time their 
late terrors, their losses, and the peril to which they were 
still exposed. 

“ Now, Almagro,” said Jack, look at me, and tell me it 
you can find out the good news I have for you 

Alrnagro was much agitated ; he was scarcely able to utter 
in a tremulous voice the words, — “ My child !” 

“Yes, my dear Almagro,” replied Jack, “I have seen 
Zara ; she is living, and well ; and as happy as she can oe, 
separated from her father.” 

Almagro covered his face with his hands ; he did nob 
speak for many minutes, and all respected his silence ; thru 
he said, “ It is well, my dear boy ; you have restored me Co 
happiness. Now tell your story, that I may learn how this 
wonderful discovery occurred.” 


272 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


‘‘When I left dear Maria in the wood,” said Jack, “my 
great anxiety was to gain time, that she might escape. I 
walked up to the chief, and addressing him in Spanish, I said, 
• ‘ Great chief, I am not your enemy, therefore pray pass on, 
and leave me to gather pinones on these wide plains that God 
has given to all the world.' He smiled, and 1 do believe he 
would have let me go, but his people surrounded me, bound 
my arms, and one ugly fellow dragged me up, and placed me 
before him on his horse. 

“ You may be sure I was angry and a little frightened, 
especially about Maria, and I called out in English some 
words of comfort to her; the Indians, I believe, thought 
I was imploring their pity, for they laughed contemptuously. 

“ The chief did not seem half-pleased with his men ; but 
the Indians are not slaves to their chief, and he has less of 
his own way than you would fancy. However, he rode up 
to me and said, in very indifferent Spanish, ‘ Fear not, 
Christian, you are my property, and I never slay but in 
battle.” 

“We rode on for some days, sleeping on the bare ground 
at night ; and once in the day we rested, when an ox or a 
mare was killed for the occasion, and pieces were cut off, and 
eaten by the Indians on the spot, without ceremony, cookery., 
or seasoning. For my part, I had luckily preserved my bag 
of pinones, which was hung over my shoulder, and which 
nobody seemed to covet. On these I breakfasted, dined, and 
supped, to the great amusement of my captors, who doubtless 
considered me in the light of a two-legged hog. 

“ It was dull work, that long journey; the tears often rose 
to my eyes, but I kept them down ; I did not want the rogues 
to fancy I was faint-hearted. Then I ruminated on plan? of 
escape ; and on the schemes going forward at Esperanza, for 
I was sure of you, ray good fellows. I knew you would find 
me, even if I was carried to Cape Horn. The Indians in the 
mean time killed lots of bullocks and mares, which were tied 
to the saddles and dragged after them ; and at last the 
journey did come to an end, and in the midst of the imposing 
r.ocession, I made my first appearance at the huts. 

“ The first sounds I heard were the tongues of women 
chanering loudly, children crying, and dogs barking ; and in 
the midst of the strange multitude I was put down, to 


THE MEilTON FAMll.Y. 273 

stared at by tbe women, yelped at by tbe dogs, and tormented 
by the children, who pulled my hair, tore away my clothes, 
picked my pockets, and took my pinones for playthings. 
Then began the disgusting work of the shambles, and while 
all were engaged, the chief, after speaking in a tone of au- 
thority to the man who had been my guard, cut my bonds, 
and waving me to follow him, entered the principal hut of 
the group. He was met by a female, whose complexion and 
features were not Indian, and whose dress had a grace and 
neatness beyond that of the furies I had encountered at my 
arrival at the ioldos” 

“ Do tell me what her dress was V’ demanded Matilda. 

“ I will tell you as well as I can,” answered Jack. « She 
wore a bright scarlet poncho, thrown over one shoulder, 
brought under the other arm, and fastened round her with a 
long sash made of twisted wool, of very gay colors. Her feet 
and arms were uncovered ; but she had bracelets of silver, 
and a silver band, or diadem, round her beautiful black hair, 
from which hung a plume of ostrich feathers. She held by 
the hand a pretty boy, who was dressed much in the same 
manner as his father, — for he was the son of the chief, and 
the lady was his wife, his only wife ; some of the men had 
two or three wives. And this really lovely girl, the wife of 
the chief, was, as I see Almagro has guessed, his daughter, 
Zara. 

« The chief spoke to his wife long and kindly in the lan- 
guage of his tribe, pointing to me occasionally. She looked 
on me with interest, and after the chief had left the tent, she 
addressed me in Spanish, asked if my father was a Guacho, 
and where his hut was. I told her in as few words as possi- 
ble our tale of misfortunes ; then I described our happy 
little home in the wilderness, and the misery my dear parents 
would feel at my fate. 

‘‘ She appeared greatly moved, and said, ‘ Yet such was my 
early history ; I, too, was torn from ray parents, and brought 
among strangers ; but they were kind to me, and I learnt to 
love them, and to accommodate myself to their habits. Still 
I have never forgotten my dear home, my noble father, and 
my gentle mother, who would never, I fear, survive the loss 
of her Zara.’ 

18 


274 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ I was not at all surprised when she said this, for I was 
quite sure at first she would turn out to be Zara ; but I said 
very quietly, ‘Was the name of your father Almagro di 
Valdivia V 

“ She shrieked out, ‘ Do you know my father, boy ; and is 
he living V 

“ I told her you were living, and were my very best friend, 
—one of our happy little community. She was greatly ex- 
cited ; she clasped her hands, and uttered rapidly many words 
of Spanish and Indian intermingled. I understood that she 
was asking me, in a distracted manner, many questions about 
you and her mother ; and I thought the best answer would be 
to tell her your whole story, how we became acquainted, and 
all your anxiety about her, till you were visited by a gleam 
of hope on recognising her work in the embroidered trappings 
of the wounded Indian horse. 

“Her eyes glistened as she said, ‘Was it not a happy 
thought that I should embroider my cipher, as dear mamma 
had taught me to work it, on the saddle-cloth ? And I sym- 
pathized with Cangapol, when he regretted the loss of it so 
much, little suspecting that it had happily fallen into the 
hands of my own beloved father.’ 

“ She wept much at the death of her mother, and wished 
to see her father, but could not bear to abandon her hus- 
band. ‘ He is so kind to me,’ she said, ‘ and would take no 
other wife, because the daughter of a Guacho must have her 
hut to herself. Besides that, my boy, my Cacique Chico 
forms another link to bind me to a strange people.’ 

“ This irresolution appeared very strange to me, yet at 
first I was afraid to tell her what I thought j but after some 
days, when I got used to her, and saw she was kind and 
gentle, and liked to talk with me, 1 took courage and said, 
‘ Zara, it is your duty to abandon the dark errors of this 
heathen people, and to return to your God. Your husband 
and your people abhor Christians, and you cannot worship 
God among these savages.’ 

“ She wept at my words, and said, I have not forgotten 
the prayers my mother taught me j I repeat them daily, and 
have tried to prevail on Cangapol to join me ; but he tells 
me kindly to pray in my own way j his God is a God of bat- 
tles and slaughter, and loves only the brave, who, after their 


THE MERTOX FAMILY. St") 

death, arc happy in wide hunting fields, with plenty of food 
to 6it. And i fear I had learned to wish that I might join 
that hunting field of the brave dead, and had almost forgotten 
the faith of my childhood, till your woids reminded me that 
Christians worship a God of peace, who forbids them to shed 
blood ; is it not so, boy V 

“ I spoke to her with my best ability of the beautiful his- 
tory of the Son of God, who walked on earth, enduring the 
hardships, the sorrows, and the sufferings of the world, that 
he might save the world. She listened with attention, and 
wished she could tell it all to Cangapol, who would not, she 
feared, condescend to listen to me. One day she asked me 
to speak of these wonderful things to Sausimian, the uncle 
of the chief, who was sick and infirm ; and whom, she told 
me, the young Indians wished to strangle, because, when the 
toldos were removed, it would add to their labor to have to 
carry a man who was so aged that he was wholly useless. ‘ I in- 
duced Cangapol;’ added she, ‘ to insist on the life of the aged 
sufferer being spared. He has no wife or child, and I have 
visited him daily to take him charqui and cool water. He 
lies on his couch of death, seeing death before him, and re- 
coiling from it ; in his old and feeble state he does not believe 
that hunting-grounds can be a scene of happiness. Talk to 
him, good English boy, he understands the Spanish language, 
and tell him of the blessed rest promised by our God to them 
that believe in him.’ 

“ I went with Zara to visit the wretched Saus’mian, whom 
age and painful disease had bent nearly double ; yet his mind 
was clear and keen ; he had been in cities where he had seen 
civilization, and could speak and understand Spanish. He 
evidently doubted the existence of the Indian paradise. ‘ I 
desire no longer,’ said he, ‘ to slay the puma, or to drink the 
blood of the wild cattle. I cannot dart over the Pampas 
on my fleet steed, seeking to burn the hut of the sJeeo- 
ing Christian. I desire only the sleep of the weao. Gan 
death be this sleep? Tell me, young ChrbMan w.iat is 
death V 

•' Then, papa, I tried to remember some of your discourse? 
a : d to repeat them to poor old Sausimian. I told him tha^, 
to the Christian, death was but the passage to a lie.\vcn of 
peace, and love, and happiness ; and th-t the gate of th> 


2*? 6 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

heaven was still, by God’s mercy, open to him. I had in my 
pocket when I was takfen, the little Spanish New Testament 
dear Mr. Carruthers had given me, and Zara had rescued it 
for me from the thievish boys, for she had not quite forgotten 
how to read, and was glad to see a book once more. I now 
read from this book many passages of the life and doctrines 
of our Lord to the afflicted man ; he seemed satisfied to hear 
me, and I visited him continually, till the night when I hoped 
to escape ; then I left my precious book to Zara, who will, T 
am convinced, daily read to Sausimian.” 

May the book be alike precious to both of them, my 
son !” said Mr. Merton ; “ and now T am fully repaid for all 
my sufferings during your captivity.” 

“ Only think,” said Matilda, ‘‘ that Jack, who was always 
considered the dunce of the family, should actually have be- 
come the first missionary amongst us.” 

“ J ack was a careless boy, Matilda,” said Mr. Merton, 
“ but was not a dunce, and you must now be satisfied that he 
had not neglected the best knowledge, and that he had the 
rectitude to make his knowledge useful. God grant that his 
one talent may gain many talents.” 

“ But why, my dear brother,” asked Maria, “ did you not 
attempt to convince and convert the chief of the unmusical 
name ?” 

“Because, Maria,” said Jack, “I fear I am not half a 
missionary, I lacked zeal and courage ; for though Cangapol 
gave his brief orders to me with mildness, he was reserved, 
taciturn, and haughty. No one conversed with him but 
Zara, and I left him in her hands, feeling sure that God 
would help her; nor do I despair, pi?**, of your being called 
upon to teach and convince the Indian chiff.” 

“ It will be a happy day to me, my son,” replied Mr. Mer- 
ton, “ if God permits me the duty ; I have been useless for 
some time, and am anxious for labor.” 

“ Now go on. Jack,” said Mary ; “ did you tell Zara your 
pLi of escape ? ’ 

“ Certainly not,” answered he. “ It would have been mad- 
ness. She would have immediately told it to Cangapol, as 
Her duty commanded ; and he would have called a council of 
his wanio-s to prevent me, as his duty commanded. But 1 
tore* a lear from my ^o^ket-book, and wrote upon :t in Spaa- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


^7 


ish : — - 1 fly to my father and to your father. Come to us, 
Zara, bring Cangapol and the Caoique Chico, but no warriors. 
I leave with you the book of God’s law, read it to Sausimian, 
and we will pray for you all ’ 1 put this leaf in the Testa- 

ment, and placed it where she must find it, the moment before 
I stole out, with a beating heart, to join dear Lewis ; who is 
such a clever fellow that I do believe he could have won the 
battle of Warterloo as well as Wellington did.” 

“ As my chief exploits have either been in ambuscade or 
in retreat,” said Lewis, laughing, ‘‘ you can scarcely judge, 
Jack, what sort of a general I should make if it came to a 
regular battle.” 

“ What furniture had the Indians in their toldos ?” asked 
Mary. 

“Nothing in the world,” replied Jack, “but some heaps 
of ill-dried skins, which served for beds, and some rush mats 
for seats. Across the poles which supported the roof were 
the long dry slips of meat which we call charqui. The water 
was brought from the stream in birch-bark buckets, made by 
the women, and the drinking-cup was the small end of the 
guanaco’s horn. Lances, bolas, lassoes, and a few knives, 
obtained in exchange for skins, completed their possessions. 
The toldos are very dirty, and the smell intolerable to a 
civilized nose ; but I suppose custom obliterates the delicacy 
of smelling, for Zara did not seem offended with these revolt- 
ing circumstances ; though she preserved some of the early 
habits of cleanliness, and daily washed herself and her child 
in the stream.” 

Almagro was deeply affected by the recital, and thanked 
his friend Jack warmly for his attempt to recall his daughter 
to the true faith. Lewis, wishing to turn the thoughts of the 
father from his anxiety, begged him to tell how the savages 
had surprised them. 

“'We had separated early, and I was sitting alone in my 
dwelling,” said Almagro, “ musing on my own sorrow, and 
the sorrow of my friends, and beseeching God’s mercy for us 
all, when I was roused by the furious barking of Wallace. 
I knew at once it was no wild beast that had excited him, for 
there was no fear in the tone. It was a war. cry, summoning 
us to battle. I ran to the hall and got the guns and ammu- 
nition in readiness. Maria, unbidden, ascended to her watch. 


ADVENTUEES AND WANDERINGS Of 


and immediately cried out, ‘ Send up some buckets of water, 
the casks are nearly empty, and I see many torches approach- 
ing.’ It was indeed an unpardonable neglect that in our false 
security we had not looked to the water-casks. We got out 
the buckets and set to work, even Mrs. Merton assisting ; but 
by the time the casks were filled, the enemy were upon us ; 
and I charged Tom to fix the pipes, and make all ready in 
case of fire, whilst I defended the gate, which they were ap* 
preaching with their usual discordant cries. 

‘‘ They attempted several times, like our former assailants, 
to force the door, but, from its fortunate position in the niche, 
they could not succeed ; and a single discharge of my rifle 
prevented them from repeating the attempt ; but, as we feared, 
they only retired to bring all their torches forward at once, 
and cast them upon the fence. I expected the water to de- 
scend immediately, and waited a few moments ; it was too 
long ; before I could mount the roof, the flames sprung up and 
were raging along the fence, and the wind being east, drove 
them towards the house. I found that Tom, in his agitation, 
had not succeeded in attaching the pipes. I assisted him, and 
we had just finished, when your shouts and attack on the foe 
revived our hopes. It was Nanny who remembered to ring 
the bell ; but I had little hope that you would be within hear- 
ing of it. We are, at all events, once more together, safe 
and well, though we have suffered some loss. Let the God 
who saved us be blessed. 

It was too late to talk more. They did not forget in their 
evening devotions a special thanksgiving for their deliverance, 
then, Almagro undertaking the care of the wounded Indian, 
thaf "ttired to rest. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


The Effects of the Indian Visit. Projects for Repairs. The Young 
Indian Chief. The first Convert. Alarm, Jack’s Grand Discovery. 
The Indian Encampment, The Fugitive Family, and their Retreat 
in the Cave. 


The morning revealed a scene of distressing desolation. 
About twenty yards of the thick impervious fence was com- 
pletely destroyed ; the hut was nearly burnt to the ground, 
with every thing it contained, which they had not had time 
to remove. It was only by slow degrees that they discovered 
the full amount of their loss ; but the disappearance of many 
useful articles was soon manifest. In the small yard behind 
the hut the stapk of fuel, built up for the winter, was burnt ; 
and, still more distressing, the two pet ostriches, which were 
always confined in this inclosure at night, were found lying 
dead : they had been suffocated by the smoke. Mary wept 
over the fate of her favorites, more even than for the loss of 
her guitar ) for the flames had devoured the greatest part of 
Mrs. Douglas’ pretty gifts, and work-boxes, drawing-boxes, 
and writing-desks were nearly all gone. The tables, seats, 
and beds, the work of their own hands, and too heavy to be 
easily removed, were lost ; and by some mischance the pretty 
wardrobe of the baby was all burnt; but except a consi- 
derable quantity of charqui, all the provisions was happily 
saved. 

“ These Indians will certainly come again,” said Jack, 
‘‘encouraged by the destruction of the fortress. We must 
consider now, how we can defend it.” 

“We must go to the woods immediately for the cactus,” 
said Lewis. “ Not only must we bring branches to fill up the 
breach in a temporary manner, but we must also procure a 
number of young trees to plant in the place of those which 
are destroyed. I scarcely expect the defeated men will re- 
turn so soon ; I am more afraid of a visit from your captors, 
Jack. The two parties certainly belong to d stinct tribes; 


2 S; ADVEN'<»ii^ - - 0 

and as soon as our young captive is sufficiently rsoc^M^^d ^ 
bear any exertion, we must endeavor to extract , cir in i 
mation from him.” 

Almagro offered to remain as guard and nurse to the In- 
dian, whom Lewis pronounced to be going on well : the rest 
of the young men set out, taking the waggon with them ; Ma- 
ria promising to ring the alarm-bell if sentinel Wallace an- 
nounced any danger at hand. 

They soon completed the cargo of trees ; and, in crossing 
the river on their return, Tom pointed to the pile of brick 
which still remained after they had finished building the 
oven. 

Why,” said he, “ should we not raise an indestructible 
fence round our domain ? A wall of brick, eight or nine 
feet high would render the fort impregnable 3 and we have all 
the material.” 

“ But the work, Tom 3 how do you feel inclined for the 
work inquired Lewis. 

Tom shrugged his shoulders 3 manual labor was not agree- 
able to him ; he loved to project, rather than to execute. 
“ How much we miss Mr. Douglas and John,” said he 3 
they were such indefatigable workers. We only want ser- 
vants to assist us to render our little colony as secure as 
it is lovely. Would not the Indian captive make a useful 
hand?” 

“ It might be so,” replied Lewis, drily 3 “ but, at present, 
he has no hand to be of advantage to us 3 but even supposing 
he had recovered the use of his arm, would Mr. 5 lerton, 
as governor of the settlement, tolerate slavery in his do- 
minions ?” 

“ There, Tom, down goes your plan, my boy,” exclaimed 
Jack. “Fancy papa establishing slavery, and making this 
brave young chief his first victim, with Master Tom for over- 
seer, armed with a whip to make the stubborn fellow work, 
like the enslaved Israelites, at the making of bricks.” 

“ I did not mean that we should absolutely make him a 
slave,” said Tom 3 “ but we ought not to release him to re- 
turn to his own people and report the weakness of the gar- 
rison. He must continue our prisoner 3 and why should he 
not work as we do ?” 


THE MERTO:^ FAMILY. 


281 


“ Our best plan will be to try to make friends with him,’ 
said Charles, “ and then send him back to tell his peo- 
ple what good fellows we are. The Indians do not like la- 
bor, even when it is voluntary ; and I fear, Tom, our prison- 
er would consider a day’s work with us a cruel oppression. 
But if aught of the divine nature remains in him, he must 
feel a spark of gratitude for kind treatment, and surely would 
not turn and rend us.” 

“ I agree with you, Charles,” said Lewis ; “ we must try 
the experiment of kindness ; it must do some good ; it may, 
by God’s help, do great good. And now, Tom, though 
your gigantic plan of enclosing the town of Esperanza with 
solid walls is a little beyond our power now, we will not for- 
get it ; and, in the mean time, as soon as the fence is restored 
to a tolerable state of security, we will take advantage of 
the waning season, and get a good stock of bricks made, dried, 
and stored in the fortress ; for I propose that we should at- 
tempt to rebuild the paternal mansion with brick.” 

This vast project was received at first with acclamations, 
to which succeeded some doubts of the possibility of accom- 
plishing it ; but the assurances of Lewis, and the sanguine 
temperament of youth, restored their confidence ; and they 
determined to begin brick-making the very next day. 

But it required a whole day to remove the charred wood, 
plant the young trees, and fill up the vancancies with thick, 
thorny branches. After the fence was restored to apparent 
strength and firmness, they slept more tranquilly. The suc- 
ceeding day the captive was much better ; he had eaten some 
bread with great relish, but could not endure broth or tea. 
His usual beverage had been cold water ; and he looked with 
suspicion at the cup when Almagro presented it, saying, No 
fire I Bysanti does not wish to drink fire!” But an agreeable 
sherbet, flavored with strawberry-juice, of which the young 
ladies had prepared a large stock with honey, was very agree- 
able to him. H^eemed more reconciled to the new faces 
that visited him,^d occasionally spoke a few words to Al- 
magro ; but he always appeared dejected, and frequently when 
he thought he was alone, he was heard to murmur, “ J\lodre. ! 
madreV^ 

The young girls who spoke Spanish well, frequently ac- 
companied Lewi to visit his patient ; they took him sherb' t. 


282 


\DVBNTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


peaches or fresh flowers ; and sometimes asked him qucs^ 
lions, which he always answered briefly and unwillingly. 

“ Have you refreshing fruit and sweet flowers at your 
home V’ asked Mary. 

“ The Indian warrior,” answered he, “ has no draught 
so refreshing as the blood of his enemies. He scents not 
the flowers that spring on the Pampas, but the track of 
his foes.” 

“ But here,” said Mary, “ you see how happy we are, for 
we love the fair gifts of God, and make war on none. Will 
you not learn, Bysanti, to love fruit and flowers ; and above 
all to love all men, for all are God’s children V' 

‘‘ Bysanti can never love the fair man,” replied the Indian. 
“ The fair man is treacherous ; he holds out the tobacco and 
the fire-water, and he says, ^ Come and take,’ that the Indian 
may go to him and be slain.” 

“ But, Bysanti,” said Lewis, “ these young girls do not 
offer you tobacco and fire-water ; the fatal gifts which are de- 
structive to the fair man as well as to the Indian. In the 
wide world, there are evil and good, Bysanti, among the 
fair man and the dark men. You must hold out the hand of 
amity to the good, and avoid the evil.” 

The girls smiled, and extended their hands to the In- 
dian, who looked amazed, but touched a hand of each; then 
turning to Lewis, he asked, “ Has that made us friends f” 

“ I hope it has, Bysanti,” replied Lewis ; ‘‘ and you must 
not war with your friends. When you return to your peo- 
ple, you must not permit them to come to this place and de- 
solate the peaceful home of your friends.” 

The countenance of the boy became bright. “ Shall Bysanti 
return to his people ?” exclaimed he. “ Shall the mother again 
see the son of her heart P’ He sprung on his feet, then sink- 
ing down again, he added despondingly, “ But my horse is 
slain ; and the Indian does not roam the plains like the os- 
trich and the white man.” 

‘‘ Your horse is ready to be mounted when you are fit to 
travel,” said Lewis ; “ but you must remain under my care till 
you arc strong and able to use your arm; and in that time 
you will learn how happily the Christians live.” 

The great Cacique, the father of Bysanti,” said the hoy, 
W9<5 also a Christian. Good men came from a far land ; they 


THE MERTON FAMILY 


233 


gave knives and bright garments to the Indians, and when 
the black sickness visited them, the Christians healed them as 
you would do. They taught the Cacique and his people to 
call on God, and God heard them, and made them happy. 
Then all the tribe were Christians. But other strangers came, 
who were Christians also, the evil men of whom you have 
spoken. They drove the people from their rich- wooded 
hunting fields, to the barren wilderness, where the cooling 
stream is not found ; where the puma and the jaguar make 
war with man. But worse than the puma and the jaguar, 
the cruel strangers came in mighty multitudes, and massacred 
the betrayed Indians. The great Cacique fell in the midst of 
his warriors, and his bereaved wife carried away her helpless 
infant, myself, far, far from the haunts of men. 

“ Some of the warriors escaped the slaughter ; they fol- 
lowed the mother of the young Cacique, they taught the boy 
to ride, to hunt, to wield the lance against the foe. And 
when they saw Bysanti was tall and strong, they hailed him 
as their chief, and said : ‘ Bysanti is brave ; let him lead his 
warriors to slay the Christian traitors.’ But Bysanti is 
no warrior ; he is a captive, and his people will scorn 
him.” 

The Indian covered his face, and was deeply agitated. 
Lewis endeavored to console him, by representing that there 
was no disgrace in being conquered by people who possessed 
such formidable weapons of warfare as they did. And the 
girls tried to amuse the youth with stories of the wonders of 
the civilized world, and of the lives of good Christian mem 
When they became more acquainted, Mr. Merton sat by him 
for hours, and with gentle .and persuasive words, won him to 
listen to the simple doctrines of Christianity. SufiPering had 
subdued the haughty spirit of the Indian, and he heard Mr. 
Merton with interest and attention ; still he couli not be con- 
vinced that the men who believed these truths, could ever 
become robbers and murderers. 

« My mother has told me, that when the Cacique was driven 
from the dwellings of his fathers, he said, ‘ The God of the 
Christians is a great and good God, but the Christian men 
are cowardly murderers.’ And my mother has said to me, 
‘ Go forth, Bysanti, and slay the evil race I’ ” 


234 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


But when Bysanti was able to form one of the happy party 
in the hall ; when he saw the useful habits, the mutual love, 
and the peaceful life of his protectors, he was moved to ac- 
knowledge the superiority of a belief that produced such hap- 
py results. He was pleased to hear them read, and wished 
to learn himself; he was astonished with their drawings, and 
charmed with their music. He went with them to the chapel, 
and though he could not understand the words he was awed 
by the devotion of the little congregation. At length he 
begged that he also might be a Christian ; and Mr. Merton, 
after a course of instruction, baptized him, naming him 
Paul, after the saint whose life and labors he loved to 
hear of. 

My tribe shall never more war against my Christian bro- 
thers,” said the youth. “ But when can I go to my people ? 
My friends, I must go to them.” 

“ I cannot let you go for some days yet,” said Lewis. 

Your arm might suffer, and I should not be near to aid 
you.” 

«« Why are you so very impatient to leave us, Paul ?” in- 
quired Mary. 

He looked uneasy. “ I cannot be happy,” said he. My 
people are restless , they will call a council ; they will mount 
their fleetest horses, and come to seek the body of their chief ; 
or to snatch him from captivity. The Christian friends of 
Paul may again be in danger.” 

Lewis did not reply, but he was startled by the suggestion, 
and meditated for some time on the probability and the con- 
sequences of another attack in their present defenceless con- 
dition. Matilda watched his countenance, and following him 
from the hut, found him pacing to and fro in the gar- 
den. 

“ I know your thoughts, my good friend,” said she ; “ you 
believe we are in danger, and I think the same. What shall 
we do 1 Ought we to dismiss Paul at once with the cure of 
his body and soul alike incomplete ? Such a step might save 
us ; but I think it would not be right.” 

“ Certainly not, my dear Matilda,” answered he ; “ your 
heart prompts you to the true course of duty. We must risk 
a few days longer ; for it would be impossible for Paul to ride 
a considerable distance without endangering his arm, and pro- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


285 


bably his life. Nor can we trust that his presence among th.^^ 
turbulent and incensed savages would arrest their veugeanoe. 
I do not wish to alarm your dear parents, but in case we 
should be driven from this sweet spot, I think it would be 
prudent to secrete some of our stores in the cave of the rock. 
Do you think we could mauage this quietly and discreetly 

“ 1 will do it,” said Matilda j “ 1 only ask that Almagro 
may be told. With his assistance we can easily make our 
cache.’’ 

Almagro was consulted, and he agreed with them that there 
was ground for alarm ; and as a commencement, he imme- 
diately removed the sacks of maize and wheat which had been 
deposited in his hut to the cave, in which he found Nanny had 
her stock of honey, salted butter, and some charqui, w^hich 
had escaped destruction at the fire. It was desirable that 
more meat should be dried ; and it was therefore proposed to 
Jack and Charles that they should go out to try to kill a 
bullock or a guanaco, as the larder was low ; but they were 
strickly forbidden to go far from home. During the absence 
of the youths, Almagro and Lewis hoped to accomplish the 
removal of the greater part of the most valued property to the 
cave. 

Jack and Charles set out in high spirits, crossed the river, 
and proceeded about two miles up the valley before they fell 
in with any sport. Then they saw a herd of guanacoes feed- 
ing on the green slopes below the mountain wood ; they gave 
chase, and pursued them half a mile along the valley, when 
suddenly the whole herd took to the mountain, plunging 
through the thick wood. The hunters were never deterred 
by difficulties; they followed the game up the steep, and 
hearing the curious neighing cry of the guanacoes before 
them, struggled upwards, through a maze of thick underwood, 
which clung to the lofty beeches. After an ascent of half a 
mile they reached a ridge, and saw before them a wooden 
descent, below wh ch lay a tiny, lovely dell, surrounded by 
tall trees and entangled bushes, pastured with long grass on 
which a herd of guanacoes were feeding, and watered by a 
little rivulet which flowed from some aperture in the rock.^, 
crossed the dell, and again disappeared through some hidden 
channel. 

It wa.s no difficult task to capture the guanacoes now ; aua 


286 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


having secured two, they sat down to look round at the fairy 
spot. The side which they had descended was a gentle slope, 
but the rest of the little basin-shaped valley was surrounded 
by perpendicular rocks clothed with wood. The vale seemed 
to have been unvisited since the creation of the world, all was 
so fresh and solitary. 

A pine, growing on a ledge of the rock opposite the slope 
by which they had descended, was loaded with pinones, which 
provoked the cupidity of Jack extremely, but they were be- 
yond all reach. 

« What a charming spot this would be,” said Charles, “ on 
which to erect a hunting-box ! It is evidently quite unknown 
to the Indians ; and we might gallop for miles over the plains, 
and return to sleep here j sure to be unmolested.” 

‘‘ I wonder how those pinones would taste,*if we had a few 
to roast,” said Jack, still gazing with desire at the pine, and 
trying to reach the fruit with his long lance. But the long, 
lance fell short of the height of the tree, and becoming rather 
irritated by the jests of Charles, and his own ill-success, Jack 
hurled the spear at the tree, and to his great astonishment it 
disappeared entirely, through the bushes that covered the 
face of the rock. 

“There must be a cave in the rock,” said Charles; “let 
us try to find the entrance to it. It was lucky I did not take 
a fancy to tilt with the pine, for I have my lance still, and we 
must make a probe of it.” 

They tried repeatedly to find an opening, but the lance 
rebounded from the rocky surface. At length, close to the 
ground, Charles introduced his lance, which entered to its 
full extent. 

“ Give me my rifle,” said Jack, “ that I may slay the 
gnome who guards the magic cavern. I undertake the adven- 
ture of exploring this secret cave.” 

“ But I am the eldest,” said Charles, “ and I claim the 
right of having the first peep into the mystery.” 

“ I scoff at your right,” answered Jack ; “ I am determined 
to seek my lance, so good bye, Charley — here goes!” and 
crouching to the earth, with his poncho over his head to pro- 
tect him from the thorns, he forced his way beneath the 
bushes and disappeared, followed, however, by Charles, who 
was anxious for his safety. The entrance to the cave, thickly 


TliK MKilTUN I-'AMILY. 


287 


covered with entangled brushwood, was not more than four 
feet high j it was very narrow for a few feet, and then they 
emerged into a spacious and lofty cavern, or rather a series 
of caves, for small openings in the rock seemed to continue 
the line of grottoes. But the large cave they had entered 
was light and airy, from many small apertures, and the floor 
was scattered with a white efflorescent sand. 

“ Here is our hunting-box built and ready for our recep- 
tion,” cried Jack ; “ and what a delightful grotto it is ! how 
difierent to the damp cave we inhabited on th&r.coast, or the 
dismal dungeon on the Andes ! It is really more like a ball- 
room than a cave ! Look at the graceful festoons of creeping 
plants, coming through the openings and drooping above us ! 
We must bring provisions here, and then surprise the family 
by escorting them to a gipsy party in our cassino.'^ 

Charles agreed that it would make a charming summer re- 
treat, if it were not infested by wild beasts ; and, on examina- 
tion, no traces appeared of such inhabitants. Several spacious 
caves communicated one with another by small openings, 
which appeared as if constructed by art. These caves were 
equally light and airy : pigeons and the bright little birds of 
the woods were fluttering about the openings, but no other 
animal was seen. 

Jack was so much pleased with his discovery, that he for- 
got the pinones, and recovering his spear, which had fallen 
through an opening into the cave, they made their way back 
into the vale, and looking back, were struck with the perfect 
concealment of the caves. Jack declared, that but for the 
pine-tree which grew above, it would be impossible for them 
again to know the spot where they had entered. 

They once more mounted their horses, which were tied to 
a tree at the foot of the slope ; and, with a guanaco added 
to the burthen of each animal, they had some difficulty in 
making their way from this beautiful sequestered spot. They 
did not like to notch the trees, for fear the keen-sighted In- 
dians might see and remark their track ; but they made par- 
ticular observations, that they might recognize the road. 
They descended into their own va.lley, covered with scratches ; 
and galloped homeward, uncertain whether *;hcy should report 
the discovery of the morning, or reserve it as a surprise But 
the temptation to tell the tale of wonders and difficulties was 


288 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


too strong, and they could not forbear describing the lovely 
retreat, and proving, by their lacerated hands and faces, the 
perils of the road. 

But, to-morrow,” said Jack, “ we will take a hatchet, 
and make a good road and a proper entrance to our new 
mansion.” 

“ You must do no such thing,” said Matilda ; wait tul 
to-morrow, and I will tell you my plan, which will, I think, 
induce you to relinquish the hatchet.” 

“ Ah, Lewis !” said Jack, “ with all your skill you 
have failed to cure Matilda of her ‘ grand talent for gov- 
erning.’ ” 

“ ifut this is only a proposal. Jack,” said Lewis, ‘‘ and not 
a command. Now, if the proposal be rational, it proves 
that the judgment is in a healthy state, and requires no 
physician.” 

“ Thank you, my dear friend,” said Matilda, “ for doing 
me justice. If my proposal should prove impertinent, 1 am 
willing to be reproved.” 

Next morning Lewis and Matilda held a consultation with 
Almagro. It certainly appeared, from the report of the 
young hunters, that they had discovered a much more de- 
sirable place of refuge than the dark, chill, dungeon-like cave 
behind the old hut, which they had contemplated, in extreme 
need, might afford concealment to Mr. Merton and the fe- 
males, The only objection to the hunters’ cave was the dis- 
tance from Esperanza ; but this might be obviated by retreat- 
ing quietly to it for a short time, till any fear of an attack 
was past. 

“ And we will begin,” said Matilda, “ by transferring by 
degrees some necessaries to this newly-discovered retreat, 
that if we have to fly to it, dear papa and mamma may not 
be comfortless.” 

“I have thought of this too,” said Lewis, “but Jack and 
Charles are indiscreet, and if we revealed our plans to them, 
they might alarm the family. We must only at present warn 
them to preserve the seclusion of the retreat, to avoid making 
any track ; and we must allow them to convey what provisions 
they like, previous to the proposed visit of the family tx) see 
ihvlT discovery.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


289 


Next morning Jack and Chtarles set out again to their cave, 
their horses being loaded with two large panniers packed by 
Matilda, with a strict charge that they should not be opened 
till all the family were there. In one of these panniers she 
had packed the tea, sugar, and other little luxuries Mrs. 
Douglas had so considerately sent for her friends, filling up 
the basket with biscuits, butter, and dry fruit. The other 
pannier contained a kettle, pan, cups, plates, bowls, spoons, 
knives and forks. “ After all, Lewis,” she said, as she 
showed her preparation to her friend, “ if we are not driven 
from our beloved home, these things will be ready for the fes- 
tival we shall enjoy in Jack’s enchanted palace.” 

The young men contrived to ascend the wood by a more 
circuitous and less entangled road than on their first journey i 
and allowing their horses to feed on the rich pasture of the 
vale, they dragged with great difficulty the large hampers 
into the cave, which they now examined with more atten- 
tion. 

“ This large cave must certainly be our dining-hall,” said 
Jack ; “ here are several small niches that will make capital 
sleeping apartments, and that deep cave behind must be the 
kitchen, for see. this little recess will suit for the fireplace : 
it looks as if it had been built for the purpose ; and now, while 
I think on it, I will climb up the hill to a spot where I saw a 
fallen beach yesterday ; I will tie up some bundles of the 
branches for fuel, and roll them down the hill, and you must 
drag them into the cave.” 

Away flew the active lad up the steep hill ; he soon tied up 
some bundles and hurled them down ; but before Charles 
could get them into the cave, he saw his friend rapidly de- 
scending the hill. When he came to Charles, he was much 
agitated, and said, ‘‘ The plain below is filled with Indians! 
I fear they are going to Esperanza, and we are not there to 
protect our beloved friends !” 

Charles mounted the hill in a moment, climbed a tree, and 
through his pocket-telescope surveyed the valley below. He 
saw a great number of mounted Indians scattered round, not 
more than four or five hundred yards from the foot of the 
mountain. They appeared to have halted, for v/omen were 
busy unloading the horses which carried the poles of the tents; 
and he concluded they w'ere about to encamp for the night on 
19 


290 


ADVENTURER AND WANDERINGS OE 


this spot. He returned to Jack, and said, ‘‘We must by 
some means make our way home, to warn and make ready j 
but how to get the horses through the wood, unperceived by 
the Indians, I know not.” 

“We must leave them,” said Jack; “one of the caves 
will make an excellent stable. Collect an armful of grass for 
them, while 1 try to drag them in and stable them.” 

The undertaking was extremely difficult, but was accom- 
plished ; the animals were conveyed to a distant cave, the 
grass left with them, and their stable enclosed by placing a 
piece of rock before the opening. The fuel was then dragged 
into the cave, and the young men, taking their rifles, pre- 
pared to make the best of their way home. They kept, of 
course, within the shelter of the wood, winding along the 
steep mountain side, till having gone, with much delay and 
difficulty, about a mile from their retreat, and seeing they 
were now out of sight of the Indians, they ventured to de- 
scend to the valley. They then ran and walked as swiftly as 
they could, till exhausted with fatigue, and overwhelmed 
with their evil tidings, they appeared before the family. 

It was necessary now that everything should be openly dis- 
cussed, and prompt measures adopted. Paul was not ex- 
cluded from the council, and when he heard the description 
Charles gave of the people and their encampment, he said, 
“ These Indians are my people : they have sought the aid of 
a friendly tribe whose encampment are not far from ours. 
They come to rescue me or to avenge my death. But fear not, 
I will go out to meet my tribe : I will say to them : — ‘ These 
Christians are my brothers — I love them — they shed no blood. 
Leave them in peace.’ ” 

This was a good promise, but Lewis doubted the power of 
the young chief to control the vindictive feelings of a savage 
horde who had assembled for the sole purpose of war. 

“ At all events,” he said, “ it would be prudent to re- 
move Mr. Merton and the ladies immediately ; especi illy 
as we know the Indians will now be enoraged in raisino* the 
toldos.’'- 

“ My people will not come here until the hour of darkue^^s 
and silence,” said Paul. “ The Indian warrior loves the veil 
of night. But let my gentle friends depart; they will fear to 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 291 

Bee the dark Indian, who knows not that the true God has 
said to all men, ‘ Love one another.’ ” 

As it was desirable to leave as many men as they could in 
the fortress, Charles undertook alone to conduct the fugitives 
to their retreat. Those who were left promised, if time per- 
mitted to concer.l in the cave all the moveables they were able 
to save : and before they departed, Mr. Merton himself car- 
ried there all his books and papers, and Nanny placed in safety 
her churn, pans, and spinning-wheel. 

They collected the blankets, mattresses, and everything 
they could conveniently carry, not forgetting a provision of 
charqui ; and, to render a part of the journey less fatiguing, 
the mules were brought out and loaded, the ladies mounted 
them, and thus, accompanied by Tom and Jack, they went as 
far as they could safely venture along the valley 5 then the 
mules were unloaded, and each fugitive taking a portion of 
the loading, the boys embraced their parents, and returned 
with the mules. 

The fugitives must necessarily now ascend the wood, and 
Charles had a painful office in conducting the alarmed, sor- 
rowful, and feeble party through the entangled bushes on the 
steep mountain side. Nanny, who had loaded herself with a 
great sack, which she carried on her back, was nearly borne 
down by it ; Mr. Merton had, contrary to the advice of Dr. 
Lewis, carried away the large church bible and prayer book, 
which he refused to leave, even in the mountain-cave, and he 
was now very weary of his burthen. Matilda carried little 
Cecilia, to whom Lewis had administered a gentle soporific, to 
still her during the perilous journey. 

As they approaahed the point of danger, Charles enjoined 
the greatest caution ; he climbed a tree, and perceived, 
through his glass, that a great confusion pervaded the nfwly. 
erected toldos, which had sprung up like a village. At length 
he discovered they were slaughtering animals, and judged 
that they were about to have a feast before they entered into 
action, which he was glad to see, as it promised a longer se- 
curity to his friends at Esperanza, whom he was anxious to 
join. 

At last he brought his weary and heavily-laden party 
safely into harbor ; and, desponding as they all were, they 
were struck with the calm repose and beauty of the peace- 


292 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


ful vale, and delighted and astonished when they entered the 
cave. 

“ Well, God be praised !” said Nanny. “He can build 
such houses as poor simple folks like us could never equal, 
This is far more like a church, to my fancy, than that 
ugly black place we saw in London, their grand St. Paul’s 

“ And, by God’s help, we will make it a church, Nanny,” 
said Mr. Merton ; “ where I trust we may be permitted 
to meet together, and offer praise and thanksgiving to Him.” 

Charles hastily pointed out to his cousins the several caves, 
enjoining them to procure some grass and feed the horses ; 
he promised that they should see the rest of the family, or 
hear from them before morning ; then, taking the road home- 
wards, he made all speed to assist his friends. 

For a few minutes after his departure, the party in the 
cave remained standing, silently gazing on the rocky walls 
of their retreat; then, looking at each other, they wept 
together. After some time spent in this abandonment 
to grief, Mary, whose lively spirits were seldom long subdued, 
said, — 

“ How very ungrateful we all are to be so unhappy, when 
we are securely lodged in this snug dwelling, while poor 
Charles is scrambling through that dreadful wood, with 
the Indians behind him, and unknown dangers before him.” 

Then the active girl unrolled the mattress which the good- 
natured Charles had brought upon his back, and spreading 
it on the dry earth, made her papa and mamma sit down 
upon it. 

“ And now,” continued she, “ let us unpack, and make our 
dwelling look something better than a prison. First, I shall 
release my prisoners. Then opening a basket she had brought 
on her arm, she let out four full-grown chickens, which had 
been kept quiet by the enjoyment of a feast of maize, with 
which the basket was filled up. The feathered family 
stalked about their new abode, but finding nothing that 
suited their taste on the sandy floor, they perched on a rocky 
ledge, a few feet from the ground, and composed themselves 
to roost. 

“ The fowls set us a good example,” said Matilda, “ to make 
the best of it. And now, Nanny, as we cannot sit down for 
want of seats, suppose you begin to unpack the hampers 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


293 


brought here by Tom and Charles, whilst I find some resting- 
place for my precious charge.” 

The little Cecilia was deposited by the side of Mr. and 
Mrs. Merton, still enveloped in her blanket, leaving Matilda 
at liberty to assist Nanny. 

“ Aye, aye,” muttered Nanny; “ I reckon there will be a 
good deal left out that ought to have been brought. What 
should poor lasses like you know of what’s wanted ? Not 
but what it was a grand thought of Miss Mary to bring my 
poor bits of chicks out of the way of them black savages. 
There’s no doubt they would have swallowed them up living, 
feathers and all, as they will do with them poor things that’s 
left.” 

Nanny’s opinion of Indian voracity created a diversion that 
was favorable, and they turned with more cheerfulness to in- 
spect the panniers, which, being packed by Matilda, were 
filled with judgment. After the kettle, pan, and crockery 
were taken out, they spread a shawl over one of the panniers, 
and called it a table. Then folding their blankets, which 
had formed a great part of their load, for cushions, thpy sat 
down to rest. Nanny placed on the table a large pigeon-pie 
she had brought in a basket, but in the present suspense no 
one could think of eating. Night came on, but they felt too 
much fear of their neighbors to light a fire or candle, and an 
hour or two passed in cheerless darkness. 

‘‘ Now Maria,” said Mary, ‘‘ we can steal out in safety, and 
cut some grass for the horses ; for I promised Charles to feed 
them.” So, each armed with a large knife, the two girls 
crept from the cave, and soon filled one of the emptied bas- 
kets with fresh grass. 

‘‘ I feel a great desire to climb the hill,” said Mary, and 
try if I can see anything on the plain below. Come, Maria, 
no one can see us in the darkness.” 

They climbed to the ridge of the rock, from whence, by 
mounting the lower branches of a beech, they obtained a view 
of the level valley, which lay stretched far below them. A 
confused trampling and neighing of horses was heard, and the 
light of a hundred #(^« ng torches dazzled their eyes at first ; 
but by degrees they diatinguished a crowd of dar4i forms, all 
mounted and armed. In the front, mounted on a white 
horse, was a figure clothed in a sc.arlet poncho, with a head- 


294 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


dress of ostrich feathers ) this figure, by the long braids of 
hair hanging down behind, they recognized to be a female, 
and concluded she must be the mother of Paul. 

As the girls gazed silently at this fearful sight, the whole 
party moved off at full speed, uttering loud and discordant 
cries, in which the excited girls, in their agony and distrac- 
tion, could scarcely forbear joining. In a few moments the 
warriors were out of sight, and nothing but a few dull fires, 
the chattering of the women, and the cries of the children, 
marked the position of the encampment. 

Agitated almost to fainting, the girls descended, and with 
their basket of grass, entered the cave. Maria rushed up to 
Mrs. Merton, burst into tears, and cried, “The Indians are 
gone to Esperanza ! Oh ! dear mamma, what will become 
of my brothers ? Why are we here in safety, while they are 
in peril P’ 

“ Compose yourself, my child,” said Mr. Merton ; “ you 
agitate your tender mothei. Your brothers are, like our- 
selves, under the protection of God. We will pray for 
them;” and kneeling down in the midst of the mournful 
family, Mr. Merton uttered a fervent prayer for the safety of 
the absent. 


CHAPTER XXV. 

The Arrival of the rest of the Fugitives. Account of the Assault. 
Paul carried off The Flight. The Toldos removed. Expedition 
to the Ruins of Esperanza. The Ascent of the Cattle to the Vale 
of Refuge. Visit of Paul. His Story, 

After their devotions, they rose up, somewhat calmed. 
‘ Let us now make a fire,” said Matilda, “ which we may do 
m perfect safety, for it is absolutely impossible for the In- 
dians in the valley below to perceive it ; Especially as we are 
inclosed in the solid rock.” 

The fuel provided by Jack and Charles was at hand, and a 
fire was soon made, which, in the wid/ and lofty cavorn, 


THE MERTON FAMILY 


205 


greatly added to the comfort of the pensive inhabitants 
They collected round it ; and Mary and Maria going to feed 
the horses, found the saddles, which had been taken off and 
placed near. They brought them into the large cave to serve 
for seats ; and having now a light, Mr. Merton read to them 
some select passages of holy writ ; which engaged their atten- 
tion in some measure, and enabled them to endure the tor- 
turing anxiety of their situation. 

Mary looked at her watch ; it was two hours past midnight. 
How much must have occurred since the Indians left the en- 
campment ; and how anxiously they longed to know the 
details. They felt no inclination for sleep 5 their nerves were 
too much excited by the frightful uncertainty ; and it was in 
vain to listen, for no sound beyond the rock could reach them 
in their retreat. Another half hour of misery passed ; then 
the voice of dear Jack was heard through the opening, — 
“ All safe ! All here ! mamma !” 

Mrs. Merton turned pale, and was almost fainting ; but the 
sight of the party emerging, one after another, from the nar- 
row entrance,, revived her. They were all safe, and heavily 
laden with guns, blankets, baskets, and bags ; but they looked 
pale and haggard, and after the first greetings, were silent 
for some time. 

“ Tell us the worst, my children 3 now that I see you all 
around me, I can bear it. Is it, that we have no longer a 
home V’ said Mr. Merton. 

None but this, at present, certainly,” replied Lewis ; 
“ and praised be God’s name, who provided such a refuge for 
us, or what would have become of you, my beloved friends I 
But come, boys, we must not despair, put down your loads, 
and then Nanny will give us some supper, and we will relate 
our sad tale.” 

Jack went out to the stream for a pitcher of fresh water, 
and the pie was no longer rejected. They all took the 
refreshment they so much needed, and then Br. Lewis 
said, — 

« Notwithstanding the strong and sincere assurances Paul 
gave us of his inflence over his people, I had doubts, and 
told him of them. I gave him the best advice I could for his 
conduct when we should be separated ; I besought him, above 


296 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


all things, to remember the Christian precepts he had heard * 
and to hold fast the faith he bad professed. He promised 
earnestly that he would never forget his friends or his God ; 
and chat if he was not permitted to remain with us^ he would 
certainly return to us. 

“ That the Indians might be misled as to the mode of 
escape, should escape be necessary, we made a breach in the 
easitern part of the fence, near the corral, and turned loose 
through it, the two best cows and Almagro’s mule, which I 
felt certain would voluntarily revisit their old home ; and if 
we should venture to return, we might recover them. The 
poultry we dismissed to the woods. We then strewed branch- 
es lightly over the breach we had made, and finished by 
making up the bundles you see, which we placed in the cave. 
We had provided for the last emergency ; but we determined 
to make the best defence we could. Almagro mounted the 
observatory with water ready in case of a conflagration ; and 
we remained with our rifles ready at that weak point of the 
fence, of which the Indians were well aware. 

“ At midnight the distant torches and shrill cries, an- 
nounced the approach of the enemy. The river is unfortu- 
nately so low, that, as I expected, it did not form an obstacle 
to them ; but we had our last hope, and this was the moment 
to test it. Paul mounted on his own horse, after taking a 
mournful farewell of us, and was let out through the portal. 

“ ‘ If I find my people will no longer hear me,’ said he, 
much agitated ; ‘ if I find they will raise their hands against 
my brothers, I will speak in the words of the language which 
my fair sisters taught me, and proclaim my disgrace and de- 
spair.’ 

“ We saw him join the rushing crowd. There was a short 
pause, succeeded by loud and angry disputation. We hoped 
and feared ; but a few minutes settled all our doubts, for the 
Indians rode furiously forward. Some attempted to force the 
door ; others threw torches in all directions on the fence 
which blazed in twenty places. But in the midst of the con- 
fusion the clear voice of Paul reached our ears, crying out, 

‘ Fly, my friends ! all is lost : I cannot save you.’ 

“We tore away the loose branches from the breach wa 
had made, which they had not yet reached, go that they 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


297 


might fancy we had fled in that direction ; then firing a volley 
to lead them to suppose we intended to defend the fort, and 
not to escape ; we retreated to the dilapidated hut, raised the 
rock which covered the secret outlet, and stole out into the 
wood, first replacing the stone ; and we were soon in the old 
cave. For a moment we contemplated remaining there ; but 
knowing how anxious you all would be, and trusting that in 
the delight of destruction and plunder, the Indians would not 
care to pursue us, we determined to come to you. 

“We crossed the river unperceived, and fled along the 
valley till the lights at the encampment warned us to take to 
the fatiguing wood. Grod be thanked we have reached you, un- 
seen and unhurt; and even Jack the valiant allows that op- 
posed by such numbers, it was not cowardly to beat a retreat.*’ 

“ No, really, I think it was all fair,” said Jack ; “ for I 
had a peep at the villains from the observatory, and I shall 
never forget the sight. A great part of them were entirely 
naked, and looked as wild and furious as demons, and these 
would be, I suppose, Paul’s friendly tribe. His own people 
had some scanty, covering, and were led by the woman of the 
scarlet poncho, who was certainly Paul’s mother ; rather un- 
like our mother, I should say, Mary. Poor, dear Paul ! he 
was surrounded by a band of armed men, who did not join in 
the attack, but were doubtless placed to guard him. He 
looked very sorrowful, and I am quite sure, if they do not 
assassinate him, he will come back to see us.” 

“ Then I hope he will not visit us in princely state,” said 
Matilda. “ I have no desire to see his court round him. But 
I have many things to %sk. First : where is Wallace ? Why 
have you not brought him with you P’ 

“ I wisued it very much,” said Lewis ; but sagacious as 
Wallace is, I fear we could not have made him understand the 
necessity of silence and caution ; for you know that when he 
is let loose to walk with us, he barks incessantly, and this 
would most certainly have ruined us. I considered all this 
before Paul left us ; and as the dog knew him, I engaged him 
to promise to be his protector; and I have no doubt he 
will be able to do for Wallace what he could not do 
for us.” 

“ L am very weary,” yawned Tom ; “ had we not better go 
to bed?” 


298 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Tom’s drowsy exclamation, and his quiet proposal to go to 
bed, is if he was in a commodious mansion, created a little di- 
version ; and Jack begged to conduct him to his bed-chamber. 
But Nanny had lighted fires in two of the inner caves ; and 
there, on such blankets, cloaks, and cushions as they had been 
able to bring away, the family retired to rest, too thankful to 
have a secure sleeping-place to lament the want of mattres- 
ses. 

It was late before the young people woke from their heavy 
slumber ; and they found Almagro had already been recon- 
noitring from the summit of the hill. He was of opinion, 
from the quiet state of the encampment, that the warriors had 
not yet returned to it, and were probably ranging the country 
in search of their lost victims. This was by no means a 
pleasant reflection ; and the family determined to remain 
strictly secluded so long as the toldos appeared in the valley; 
they therefore breakfasted, fed the two horses, and then be- 
gan to set their house in order. 

The cave which they named the kitchen looked certainly 
most like an inhabited place, for, besides Matilda’s forethought, 
the prudent Nanny had brought more pans and kitchen uten- 
sils. In the panniers first sent were the table requisites. 
Some smooth fragments of rock were selected and brought 
into the hall, as they named the large cave, for seats, a larger 
piece formed a table, and an emptied pannier became baby’s 
sleeping-cot. 

Their provision consisted of a bag of maize flour, some char- 
qui^ and the biscuit, tea, and sugar first sent. They had 
also some candles, which, with the cloaks, blankets, rifles, and 
heavy bags of ammunition, had suflSciontly loaded the young 
men. 

Here are the two lances we left the other day,” said 
Charles ; “ so, with our knives and rifles, we have a tolerable 
armory, which I trust we may not need here ; and we have 
two horses also, a most fortunate circumstance.” 

“ I longed to have released my poor Pampero,” said Lewis ; 

but I feared, if the savages found the corral emptied, it 
would incense them more against us.” 

« And my pretty Dewdrop’s life is savod by leaving her 
here,” said Jack ; « for the wretches wmild inevitably have 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 299 

devoured her, as they do all the mares. Paul seemed aston 
ished to see me condescend to ride Dewdrop.” 

The day after passed away very tediously, all being deprived 
of their usual employment, and unable to leave their retreat ; 
and they were relieved when the darkness permitted them to 
venture from the cave, and to climb the hill to observe what 
was going on in the toldos. 

They saw that all was in great confusion, many lights were 
visible, and the horsemen were coming in one after another ; 
but the distance and the darkness prevented them from distin- 
guishing their proceedings. But the refreshment of the cool 
evening air cheered the prisoners ; and they looked round on 
the little quiet dell, so strikingly contrasted with the turbu- 
lent scene in the valley below, with pleasure and gratitude, 
and retired to the cave to thank God for their tranquillity, 
and to rest without fear. 

The second morning’s observation discovered to the anxious 
party the gratifying spectacle of the removal of their un- 
pleasant neighbors. The women had already taken down the 
slight framework of the huts, and were rolling up the hide 
covers and placing them on the horses, many of which stood 
laden with the plunder of Esperanza. The men were mounted, 
their horses being decorated with the curtains and carpets 
woven by the sisters for their dear home. The warriors 
were waving their long spears in triumph, and one was ring- 
ing a bell, which the Mertons recognized, with vexation, as 
the bell of their chapel. 

Finally the procession moved off, headed by Paul and his 
mother. Lewis observed through his glass that Paul was 
leading a large dog, which he concluded was Wallace, in a 
long lasso. They applauded this act of prudence ;• for if the 
dog had been at liberty, he would certainly have tracked his 
old masters, and betrayed their retreat. All the Indians 
they now saw were clothed ; and from the diminution of 
numbers, they concluded that the tribes had separated, to go 
to their respective hunting-grounds. 

It was with infinite satisfaction that the party on the hill 
saw their enemies gradually disappear behind the distant 
hills ; and before the day was over, Lewis and Almagro ven- 
tured to descend through the woods to examine the site of 
the tolderia. Nothing remained to mark the spot where it 


500 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


had been, but the trodden and cropped grass, the blackened 
traces of the fires, and the blood and entrails of the slaugh- 
tered animals on which the Indians had feasted the night be- 
fore, and on the remains of which were now perched some 
hideous condors, gorged with eating. 

The friends then returned to cheer the impatient prison- 
ers with the assurance that the search was abandoned, and 
their retreat secure. The rest of the morning was passed 
in walking round the verdant little basin, which seemed so 
wonderfully discovered for their refuge. In length it ex- 
tended about a quarter of a mile ; but the breadth was not 
more than a hundred yards, between the cave and the foot 
of the opposite hill. On the north, south, and west, ths 
vale was guarded by inaccessible rocks, and could only be 
approached from the east. 

“ What a site this would be for a settle2.erit,^’ said Tom. 
“ How much more secure than Esperanza ! We have only to 
raise a high brick wall along the ridge of the hill, and defy 
the lances and the torches of the Indians. We have 
water and wood, and a fine situation for gardens and pas- 
tures.” 

“ All this sounds very well, Tom,” said Lewis, but I am 
by no means sure that our good parents would like it so well 
as the spot that first gave them repose. Then I doubt much 
the salubrity of a place which must, in winter, receive a 
scanty portion of the sun’s rays, and probably a large share 
of rain and snow. But above all, whatever may be the 
security of this remarkable hollow, I fear we might soon learn 
to regard it as a prison.” 

“No! no! Tom,” cried Jack, “Esperanza for ever! 
We will rebuild our houses, fortify our walls, and never 
despair.” 

“ That is right. Jack,” said Matilda, “ remember the tale 
of Lame Jervas: ‘May good faith alwf.ys meet with good 
fortune.’ ” 

The little vale was certainly very beautiful. From the 
lofty heights above, the beech, the tall pine, and drooping 
birch looked down upon them, and a thick clothing of bushes 
covered the face of the rocks, forming an aviary for birds of 
gay plumage and musical notes ; festoons of elegant creepers 
clung from branch to branch ; and late as the season was, the 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


301 


crimson flowers of the fuschia shone thrrugh the dark foliage, 
and many of the bright blossoms of summer, scattered near 
the rivulet, lingered still in that sheltered retreat , whilst 
among the sedgy bushes, on the side of the water, the beauti- 
ful kingfisher had its nest. 

Another day elapsed, the provision became scarce, the 
bread, being quite exhausted; and Nanny declared, that if 
she had a certain iron plate which was secreted in the cave 
at Esperanza, she could bake cakes over the fire. Mrs. Mer- 
ton trembled at the thought of the expedition ; but Almagro 
agreeing to remain with her, she at length permitted the 
young men to set out, to ascertain the state of their beloved 
home. 

They proceeded with caution, and after crossing the river, 
they went through the wood to the rock at the back of the 
old. hut, from whence they surveyed the scene of devastation. 
Ascertaining the perfect solitude of the spot, they descended 
among the ruins, and looked round in mournful silence. 
They crossed the garden, trodden ^down and strewn with 
charred wood and uprooted fruit trees, and on approaching 
the church, were surprised to find it entire, except that the 
bell was removed. Either Paul’s intercession, or a super- 
stitious feeling,— for they could not attribute it to reverence, 
must have preserved it ; for not only the building was per- 
fect, but it appeared to have been un-entered, for everything 
was in its place. 

They were glad to have this good news to carry to Mr. 
Merton, for all else was destroyed, except a few patches of 
fence which had escaped the conflagration, and the brick oven 
which stood firm amidst the ruins of the pretty house they 
had been so proud to complete. 

“ If we had only had time to take out the glass win- 
dows,” said Tom, “ we might have saved them ; now, when 
winter comes, we must have the cold blast and the snow 
come drifting in through the openings which we call win- 
dows.” 

“ This winter,” said Lewis, our mansion will be proof 
against storms, for we cannot leave our present residence at 
any rate before spring. Remember, we shall have to raise 
the houses from the ground, no easy task, and not to be f.t- 
tempted in winter.” 


302 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


The fences of the little grass fields were torn down, and 
the cattle taken away, as well as those in the corral j but 
the corn-fields and the flax-plot were uninjured, and they 
hoped to sow them before long; but such an attempt was not 
yet prudent. 

They took from the cave the iron girdle-pan, a bag of 
charqui, and some mattresses and pillows, all they ventured 
to carry; though Jack was tempted to catch some of the 
poultry which had returned to peck about in the old poultry- 
yard, but Lewis dissuaded him from increasing the cares of 
the establishment, when the fowls were better provided for in 
their state of liberty. 

But Nanny was gratified to hear of the safety of the faith- 
ful flock, and to receive an augmentation of the scanty stores; 
but to prevent the necessity of such an act of inhospitality as 
devouring their inmates, the pigeons, the young men pro- 
ceeded to the Pampas to look out for some fresh meat. They 
proceeded along the banks of their own river, where they 
could always obtain the shelter of the wood, and about two 
miles from their usual ford they at last caught sight of a herd 
of animals. They stole along, under the shelter of the trees, 
and, determined not to use the rifle except for defence, they 
b Id the bolus and lassoes in readiness. 

Jack was considerably in advance of the rest, and they 
were surprised to see him stop suddenly clapping his hands, 
and laughing loudly. “ Here are some old friends of ours,’^ 
he cried out, come to greet us.” And, in truth, the party 
of animals consisted of the two cows they had released 
before the attack, the two old llamas, and Almagro’s mule. 
The creatures knew their friends immediately ; the mule and 
llamas evinced much satisfaction at the meeting, running up 
to them, neighing and bleating in their several tongues ; and 
though the cows showed less sensibility, they submitted with 
the rest of the animals to be driven to the foot of the hill 
beneath the vale of refuge. 

The llamas and mule were driven or dragged through tne 
wood with much difficulty ; but to attempt to force the un- 
wieldly and inactive cows up the ascent, was a task quite be- 
yond tke powers of the drivers. They called Nanny and Ma- 
tilda, the two most intimate friends of the refractory quadru- 


THE MJE^?.a’ON FAMILY. 


303 


pods, and proceeded to tell them theif adventure acd ih«Tr 
dilemma. 

Tom suggested that the cows might be left to graze in 
valley below; and he had no doubt they would still coD'*:3t 
to be milked as usual. 

“ I shall never try them down there,” said Nanny, :7ith 
her usual decision. “ How, think you, could I hug a oack 
et of milk up that wood, that’s little better than a 
side 

Nanny and Matilda then scrambled to the ridge of theklU, 
and saw the poor cows in the valley below, looking up ami 
lowing piteously after their departed companions. It needed 
only Nanny’s well-known cry of “ Cush ! cush !” to nerve the 
obedient animals to make a vigorous attempt to ascend through 
the wood, and after much toil they succeded, and were 
greeted by the dairy-maids with caresses and a feast ol 
maize. 

At present the rich pasture aSorded sufficient food ifor «tll 
the live stock, though it would be necessary to lay up some 
provision for them before winter. The cows, so well fed, g^/e 
abundance of milk, and Nanny observed, that there ©cv^n' 
could be a famine where there was a good cow. But by slow 
degrees they brought from their hidden store sufficient pro- 
vision to insure them against famine during the winter; and 
as there had been no re-appearance of the Indians, they ven.. 
tured to use their horses and the mule, and were thus enabled 
to bring Nanny’s churn, mill, and spinning-wheel, withdraw- 
ing, writing, and work-boxes, to ^ive employment to the 
ladies. 

At length they brought the carpenter’s tools, and were soon 
able, from the trunk of a fallen pine, to make a table and 
some seats. In the meantime they daily collected all the pi- 
nones they could find fallen, or could knock down, to store for 
the cattle ; but still they feared that the stock of maize must 
suffer, if the snow lay on the ground, for their faithful ser- 
vants must at all events be fed. 

A month elapsed, during which time they became recon- 
ciled to their rocky abode, which, lighted up by the good fires 
which the season required, looked cheerful ; the bushes around 
the vale supplied abundant fuel ; and they had no scruple in 
raising a blaze that shone brightly on the lofty glittering walls. 


304 


ADVENTURJ5S A^D W ;Nr>ERlNGS OF 


TLea the young men constructed an improved loom for their 
ck-ters, and after i'Tanny had spun the flax they had saved, 
they wove it into coarse linen ; while the young carpenters 
worked at their bench, making tables, stools, bedsteads, win- 
dow-frames, doors, ladders, and all manner of useful prepara- 
tions for the houses to be built in the spring. 

t Jt the early part of the day was usually spent by the in- 
dustrious youths of Esperanza, where they once more ploughed 
cud sowed their little fields, in good faith that God might 
permit them to reap the fruits in due season. The miserable 
garden was dug, a few shrubs and bushes that were only 
.Xoken, were trimmed and restored ; the buried flower-roots 
T7cre again planted, and spring was looked forward to in 
hope ; they forgot the desolation : the spot was again “ Es- 
peranza.” 

Jack built a shed for the poultry, and scattered some maize 
occasionally, which induced them to frequent the place ; and 
he wcA generally able to take home a basket of eggs ; a plea- 
sant addition to their diet. 

Many an evening as they sat round the fire, working and 
c^mvcrsing, they wondered they had never seen Paul, and 
harped he bad not forgotten them ; but this doubt Mr. Mer- 
ton would not allow. Paul is a believer in God, my dear 
children,” he would say, and he will ever associate us with 
the happiness of his conversion.” 

One evening, as the party were talking thus of the young 
Indian, they were startled by a rustling among the bushes 
before the entrance ; Jack seized his rifle, and was rushing for- 
ward, but Lewis laid his hand on him. “ Stay, Jack,” he said, 
“ do not be rash ; we are perfectly safe, for neither man nor 
beast can enter without our leave.” Eor every night, before 
they retired, they rolled a huge piece of rock before the nar- 
row entrance, which it was impossible to remove from the ex- 
terior. 

A low whine, succeeded by a joyful bark, proclaimed who 
the intruder was ; the rock was immediately rolled away, and 
Wallace rushed in perfectly wild with joy, and careered round 
the cave with all the antics of a young kitten, to the great 
mirth of the girls. But their laughter was soon changed into 
astonishment and pleasure, when Paul followed the dog into 
the cave. Mrs. Merton certainly cast a glance of apprehen- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


30 ^ 


Bion at the entrance ; but Lewis having ascertained that Paul 
was alone, the stone was replaced, and the friends sat down 
to tell their several adventures. Paul looking round first at 
the piisou-like walls so repugnant to the taste of the free In- 
dian, said : 

“ It was Paul who drove his friends to this dark house in 
the rock ! Why were the fair Christians so kind to him ? 
why did they heal his wounds, and make him a son of God 
Why did they not leave him to die, with parched lips, on tha 
blood-stained ground, where he lay like a conquered slave ? 
Then the Christians might have rested undisturbed in their 
peaceful huts ; them the fair girls might still have sung like 
the bright birds of the woods, and danced on the grassy plains 
in happiness. It was Paul who brought to the home of his 
friends woe and destruction. Can they still hold out the 
hand of amity, and say, ‘ Paul, you are our friend?” ’ 

As Paul stood folded in his poncho, he appeared to have 
added years instead of months to his age since they parted, 
and to speak tli« Spanish language with more of the idiom of 
his own than when formerly familiarly conversing with the 
friends who now encircled him, assuring him, with earnest 
kindness, that they loved him no less, though he was unable 
to restrain the aggressions of his people. 

He told them that his mother had peremptorily refused to 
hear his intercession for the Christians. She had, during his 
absence, assumed the command of his people, and her impe- 
rious spirit scorned the idea of concession. She rebuked him 
for Lie woman’s heart, and ordered him to be guarded by 
some of his own warriors. By assuring the men that the God 
of the Christians would send down fire from heaven to de- 
stroy them if they entered the house where he dwelt, he ter- 
rified them into sparing the church. But he had seen with 
deep sorrow, the gardens, the shady arbors, the aviary, the 
pleasant halls of his dear friends burnt, plundered, and demol- 
ished ; and he followed his mother, silent and melancholy, 
while the Indians divided to scour the plains, to discover and 
murder the fugitives. 

On their arrival at the tolderia, Paul, released from his 
durance, recovered his energy, and poured on the amazed ear 
of his mother his tale of the wonders, the charms, the sweet 
humanity of Christianity ; and when the disappointed war- 
riors returned, he harangued them on the guilt of bloodshed 
20 


306 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


—on the excellence of peace. He told them, that by their 
unprovoked attack on the Christians, they had incurred the 
vengeance of the great God. Then, his mother, with a 
daring spirit, had answered : — “ It was my will to go forth 
against the Christians j upon my head may the vengeance 
fall 

“ The tribe were all silent,” continued Paul, “ appalled by 
my mother’s daring words. She still continued to lead the 
tribe when we departed for our own grounds, and ehose to 
mount the noble and fiery Pampero. He tossed his beautiful 
head as the men arrayed him in unaeeustomed barness, and 
spurned the ground when my mother mounted, as if he knew 
that he carried an enemy. When the procession moved, some 
of the men began to ring the bell, which I had forbidden them 
to remove, but the temptation had been irresistible ; Pampero 
started at the sound, seized the bit in his teeth, and fled for- 
ward like the lightning. I followed my mother in terror, but 
she waved me from her ; she was a perfect horsewoman, and 
had never lost her seat. Onward scoured the excited ani- 
mal j still she sat firmly, and I trusted the horse would soon 
be exhausted. Suddenly he fell to the earth, and I knew 
he must have trodden on a hescachero^ an accident our 
trained horses avoid by scenting the spots where the animals 
burrow. 

“ My people, struck with fright, did not move ; and when 
1 reached the spot, I found tlie animal struggling over the 
prostrate and insensible form of my mother. I extricated 
the horse without much injury, and then lifting my mother in 
my arms, I saw, by the way the limbs hung, that one arm and 
one leg must be broken ; what other injuries she had sus- 
tained oouid not yet be known. 

“ My people came up, and we placed her on a blanket, and 
bore her to a place where the toldos could be raised. Then 
she was placed under the roof of her own tent, and the base 
impostors of the tribe, who practise incantations, and invoke 
the spirit of evil, came to her ; but she had revived, and she 
dismissed them with stern and bitter words. Her acute mind 
had detected their impostures ; but her haughty spirit refused 
to submit to the true God. 

“ I bound her fractured limbs in shields of bark ; I wetted 
her parehed lips with cool water, as you had done for me. I 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


307 


prayed her to allow me to go in search of the wonderful 
medicine-man who had restored me to life ; hut, with her 
usual stern authority, she forbade me. ‘ The hand of death 
is on me,’ she said. ‘ No medicine-man can raise me to life, 
and your friend would be slain by the tribe. But can it bo 
that the wife and mother of noble Caciques must die ignob’y, 
because she disdains to submit to the God of the Christians f 
Have the imprecations of the subtle white man brought this 
disgrace on our tribe ? Speak, and tell me, Bysanti.’ 

“ I did speak : I repeated the words you had spoken to 
me ; I spoke of the God of love and mercy, whose vengeance 
is terrible to the wicked, but whose love is happiness for 
ever to those who know him. I told her that even the 
sorrowful pains of death became joyful to the Christian, 
for he knew they would usher him into the visible presence 
of his God. 

“ I cannot speak as you can, good father, and my mother 
loved not to hear the word of instruction from her child. Long 
did her powerful and strong mind struggle against conflicting 
doubts. Daily her body became weaker — daily her mind 
became more enlightened : slie listened with more attention 
to my earnest prayers. Her power on earth bad been crushed 
in a moment ; and at length she learned to aspire to a nobler 
future than the idle dreams of hunting-fields and wars. 
Slowly she woke to the conviction of her own useless waste 
of God’s good gifts ; she acknowledged with humility her 
unworthiness, and her last days were devoted to prayer, with 
faith in that mercy which you had taught me would be largely 
given, when faithfully prayed for.” 


308 


ADVENTURES AND WANDKK i.\(JS 01 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Death of Paul’s Mother. The Visit to Esperanza. and l\Ieeting 
with C^gapol and Zara. The Grand Reception iu the Rock. Mr. 
Mertcu sets out on a Mission. The Seige of the Rock. The 
Slaughter. The Field of Battle* 

It was the last request of my mother,” continued Paul, 
that I, the Cacique of the tribe, should endeavor to make 
my people Christians like myself. She called round her the 
old men of the tribe, and told them her happiness in knowing 
the true Hod. They scoffed at the words, as the ravings of 
fever. She then imposed on them, as they dreaded a heavy 
vengeance, the promise never again to disturb the peace of 
the settlers at Esperanza. The whole tribe swore that, unless 
driven to it by aggression, they would never war against the 
fair tribe of the mountain valley. 

“ At the last hour, even the stern old men and the bold 
youths were awed by the sight of the noble woman’s peace 
of mind in the agony of a death of suffering. The women 
wept, and said, ‘ Cacique, when death comes to us, bring the 
God of the Christians to us, that we may die thus.’ I spent 
many days in mourning, and in endeavoring to win the men 
from bloodshed and robbery. Then I said, ‘ Brothers, 1 go 
t?, bring a messenger of God to speak good words to you- 
Listen to him — reverence him — ana peimit him to depart in 
peace.’ 

‘‘ This was pleasing to them, and I mounted my horse, 
leading also Pampero, on whom I cannot look with pleasure 
since my mother’s death, though doubtless the accident was 
ordained by God to save her soul. I departed with no guide 
but Wallace, to seek you, for I was ignorant of the road to 
your retreat. But no sooner were we in sight of the wood, 
than he plunged into it ; I followed him unwillingly, for I 
could not believe that any refuge could be found in the per- 
pendicular steep before me. 

« And now, beloved father, go with me to the tolderia, and 
show to my ignorant people the way of salvation. You are 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


309 


safe under my protection j still more, you are safe, for you are 
on the errand of God.” 

Mrs. Merton turned pale as Paul uttered this request; 
though she had anticipated it ; but she irtiil doubted the power 
of Paul to control his people. She pleaded that Mr. Merton 
was ignorant of the language of the Indians. 

Many of my warriois have visited towns,” said Paul, 
“ and understand the language Mr. Merton speaks to me ; 
and I can interpret his words to the rest.” But no objection 
would have deterred Mr. 3Ierton from going, he would im- 
mediately have set out ; but it w^s argreed that Paul should 
remain with them a day or two, should visit Esperanxa, and 
hoar all their plans of restoration. 

Two days passed, and ©n the Sunday they ventured for the 
first time all to go to Esperanzn, and have divine service ; 
and the good Mr. Merton’s thanksgiving for the event, and 
for the safety of his little flock, was not heard without tears. 
On leaving the church, they were astonished and alarmed 
to hear the trampling of horses. TLey were unarmed, and 
except a spear or two left among the ruins, bad no defence ; 
they felt greatly relieved when they saw only two horses ap- 
proaching. On the first, a beautiful white animal, was 
mounted a noble -looking Indian chief ; the other animal was 
a small elegant bay horse, and as it drew near, they saw the 
rider was a female. 

Jack recognized the strangers immediately, and springing 
forward, cried out, “ Zara. ! Zara !” 

But who can describe the feelings of the father when he 
saw, instead of the lovely innocent child he had lost, an In- 
dian woman, the wife, as she believed, of a Cacique, with the 
dress, the habits, and he almost feared the creed of the In- 
dian ? He leaned against a tree in painful silence ; but the 
quick eye of his daughter soon recognized him among the 
strangers. She sprung from her horse, flew to his feet, and 
the lapse of time was forgotten. She was again the Guacho 
girl ; and she murmured as she clung round his neck, 
po h e I My padre And to the agitated father shu was 
again the s^eet child he had nursed in his mountain solitude; 
and he hung over her, forgetting the sorrows that had 
darkened his intervening life, crying, ^^JVina de mi alma ! 
Estrella mia /” 


310 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


In the mean time Paul had advanced to the Cacique j they 
were known to each other ; their tribes were friendly, and 
their language the same. They spoke much, with the em- 
phatic gestures and emotion peculiar to the Indians, except 
when they assume a cold and formal manner to confer with 
their enemies. The family stood aloof, looking at the affect- 
ing meeting of the father and daughter; Lewis, with all his 
coolness, feeling a little embarrassed with this adventure, for 
though it was very desirable to be on friendly terms with 
Cangapol, he could not see exactly how they ought to arrange 
for the reception of their visitors. Already the secret of 
their retreat was known to one who had been their enemy ; 
but of the fidelity of Paul there could be no doubt. But, 
he considered, could they so surely depend on a Cacique, 
whose tribe had evinced themselves on several occasions 
inimical to the Christians, whom they had personally injured, 
and probably offended deeply by releasing his captive ? Yet 
it was a duty to show hospitality to their visitors, and they 
had no other home than their retreat in the rock. 

Almagro was at length conducted to the Cacique by Zara, 
and while he was conversing with him, and caressing the 
child, whom the haughty chief had condescended to hold 
while Zara greeted her father, Lewis approached Paul, and 
consulted him on the prudence of admitting Cangapol to a 
knowledge of their retreat. 

“ Demand from him,’^ said Paul, “ a pledge of secrecy ; 
a Cacique, though he be not a Christian, never violates his 
word.” 

Almagro was employed to negotiate the treaty, and Can- 
gapol readily promised that no consideration should induce 
him to reveal the secret abode of Zara’s father, even to Lis 
own tribe ; and that he would never use his own knowledge 
of it, except for friendly communication. 

Satisfied with this arrangement, they set out to return ; 
the gentlemen walking, the ladies and Indians mounted. 
From the constant use of horses by the tribes, they are un- 
able to walk far without great fatigue ; and though tall and 
muscular, with great strength of arm, their legs are slender 
and weak. Even Za^ahad lost her old habits, a^ could not 
p ssibly have walked three miles. 

Cangapol regarded the apparently inaccessible mountain 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


311 


side with astonishment, which increased, when after viiaJug 
through the labyrinthine path, he reached the ridge, and 
looked down upon the green vale below, with the c%fws and 
llamas quietly gracing. 

But Zara’s wonder broke forth when they entered the cave, 
and she looked on the neat and comfortable arrangement of 
the place j a fire was alighted immediately, and the bright 
glow gave an air of cheerfulness to the strange dwelling 
unknown in the dark and comfortless toldos of the Indians. 
A neatly arranged dinner of cold roast beef and wheaten 
cakes were set out ; and though the Europeans did net ex- 
pect to see their visitors use their knives and forks like the 
inhabitants of cities, they were surprised to find how soon, 
and how successfully, they imitated the habits of thfiir 
hosts. 

The countenance of Cangapol was usually stern <c»d 
haughty ; but when he looked on Zara and his child, his fea- 
tures were softened, and displayed a noble expression. 
Though still retaining the habits of the wild savage life, the 
Cacique had seen cities, and trafficked with civilized men. 
These visits had opened his understanding ; but it remained 
for the gentle influence of Zara to soften the savage man- 
ners, and develop the hidden affections of the untaught 
Indian. He still led out his people, at their desire, to 
slay and plunder ; but he regarded deeds of blood as a 
duty in wffich he had no pleasure. As Mr. Merton conversed 
with his new guest, he saw with pleasure that there was ma- 
terial for a noble character. The good man turned the con- 
versation on the aim and end of this life, and the glorious fu- 
turity offered to the Christian ; and spoke long, earnestly, and 
and powerfully, to his attentive hearers, on the doctrines of 
Christianity. 

Cangapol was silent, yet his countenance displayed thought 
and emotion ; but Zara came forward, and kneeling at the feet 
of Mr. Merton, said, “ Will G-od forgive me ? I was in a 
strange land, and I forgot him ; yet he has remembered 
me, and directed me to you, that I may become again a 
Christian.” 

Mr, Morton consoled the weeping woman, — promised her 
further instruction ; and assured her that God would receive, 
her, if she asked for pardon in his Son’s name. 


312 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Tke day seemed short, as the large party conversed or 
listened to Mr. Merton. The girls answered Zara’s nume- 
rous inqairies, and were amused with her astonishment, 
and the two children became great friends ; though the rough 
caresses of the young Cacique, who was three years of age, 
somewhat alarmed the pretty Cecilia, now just beginning to 
walk aud utter some words. Then the young Indian run- 
ning round the cave, whirled a miniature set of bolas skilful- 
ly round a pigeon, and brought it to the ground, to the great 
wrath of Nanny, who extricated the victim, somewhat the 
worse for the rude pressure of the balls ; and then bestowed a 
little gentle correction on the royal infant, whose cries de- 
■dared he felt and resented the indignity, 

“ A young rascal !” said Nanny ; “ he’s just like the rest 
of them dark villains. To think of his coming here to knock 
do\^ our bonuy tame birds, that live here like ourselves, and 
tfiat not a body here would eat, if they had them set before 
them in a pie.” 

It was quite true that their fellow-lodgers, the pigeons, 
were regarded as pnrt of the family ; they gathered round the 
table to collect the fallen crumbs, and would eat from the 
hands of their friends ; and the girls declared they would 
• athor live on maize aud water, than devour those trusting 
ciiealures. 

Though the strangers could not comprehend this delicacy 
of feeling, they respected it : the boy was deprived of his 
mischievous toy, and amused himself with Cecilia and her doll. 
As the cavern had recesses that would have accommodated a 
whole tribe of Indians, aud no couch but a skin and a blanket 
was needed, the arrangements for the night were soon made. 
The Indians listened with reverence to the prayers, and they 
parted to sleep in peace. 

Next morning, Mr. Merton was to set out with Paul on 
his first missionary attempt, and it was agreed that the Ca- ' 
cique Cangapol should accompany them, Paul answering for 
the safety of his two companions among the wild horde ; while 
Zara was to remain at the rock, to recover the habits of ci- 
vilized life. Mrs, Mertou insisted that Wallace should also 
go with her husband, as the dog was greatly attached to him ; 
and at length mounted on the steady old mule, and clothed 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


313 


in his sacerdotal vestments, the good man left his anxious 
family. 

To Zara the economy of the little household was a won- 
derful spectacle ; the order and neatness of the arrangements, 
the happy distribution of labor, by which every one was 
busily and suitably occupied, but never fatigued, seemed, in 
comparison with the alternate drudgery and sloth of the tol- 
dos, a marvellous triumph of civilization. “ Teach me,” she 
said, “ fair girls from a far land, to fill my life with useful 
employment, as you do, that it may be pleasing to God and 
man.” 

The sisters persuaded Zara, in the first place, to resign her 
flowing poncho, and adopt the European dress in the house. 
She felt the constraint irksome for a day or two, but was soon 
reconciled to it, and looked very graceful in some of the best 
dresses of her friends. She followed the sisters round to 
their daily labors, she watched them milk the cows, feed the 
poultry, make the thin cakes of broadband cook the meat and 
potatoes. Then they arranged their sleeping apartments, 
and afterwards sat down to spin, knit, weave, to sew, read, or 
draw. In the sunny part of the day, which was but short in 
the deep vale at this late season, they played with the children 
on the grass, and collected pinones for fuel. Then the hun- 
ters returned with their spoil, and the evening was spent 
cheerfully; Jack sometimes played on his fortunately pre- 
served violin, while the rest danced, with light hearts-, in that 
strange ball-room. When tired with this amusement, they 
sat down to talk, often on sorious subjects, but always with 
happy feelings. Jack inquired one evening of Zara, if old 
Sausimian still lived. 

Alas ! no, my good friend !” answered she. “ The angel 
of death claimed his spirit. lie suffered long but was resigned 
and patient ; only entreating me frequently to read to him of 
the sufferings and death of Him who died for us, that he might 
not repine at his own pains. He enjoined me to continue ever 
in the beautiful faith of Christ, and wished to see Oangapol. 
I induced him to visit his uncle, and he beheld with wonder 
the peaceful and even happy death of a man who had a Chris- 
tian heart. ' Cangapol does not speak many words, he has 
more years and thought than the young and ardent Paul ; 
but after much reflection he inquired of me, < Shall none live 


314 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

after death but the Christians V I could not answer him, but 
it. was then I besought him to take me to my father, that the 
good and holy father of our young Christian captive might 
satisfy all his doubts. And I fed now, dear friends, that 
Mr. Merton will teach Cangapol to be a Christian.” 

Mr. Merton was not expected to return for a week ; and 
before three days were past, Zara had acquired the habits of 
the sisters. She refused to leave Cangapol, but hoped to in- 
duce him to adopt the customs, as well as the creed, of the 
Christians. Mrs. Merton pointed out to Zara the necessity of 
her marriage being solemnized by the sacred rites of the 
church, and proposed that, if Cangapol would consent, the 
baptism of himself and his child, and his marriage with 
Zara, should be solemnized before they returned to the 
tr4,be. 

As Zara was «anguine that Cangapol would consent, the 
young party amused themselves with the consideration of 
names for the new Christians. Matilda and Mary had some 
favorite, grand, euphonious names, for which they warmly pe- 
titioned ; but Zara, for her husband, decided on the name of 
Pedro. The little chief she allowed to be named by his 
sponsors, and they agreed that his name should be Albert. 
And as there must be a festival on this great occasion, the 
hunters were ordered to provide hares and partridges ; honey 
and wheat flour were brought from the rock at Esperanza, and 
Zara had the advantage of a new lesson, by seeing Nanny 
churn a quantity of butter for the grand festival. 

A heavy fall of rain had kept them within the rock for a 
whole day, but the girls were busied in making pastry, and 
other unusual employments engaged the rest, so that their 
confinement was not irksome. Lewis looked out when night 
came on, and observing the dark and threatening state of the 
sky, they hastened to roll the heavy rock before the entrance, 
rather to exclude the wind, than from dread of any in- 
truders. 

An hour passed pleasantly ; Zara was trying to learn 
English, and teaching her friends some words of the Indian 
language, when, in the midst of the laughter caused by their 
mutual blunders, a rustling was heard among the bushes, suc- 
iecded by the well-known bark of Wallace. “ Papa ! papa !” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


315 


^as the joyful cry, and Tom and Jack sprung forward to re- 
move the stone. 

But why return so soon, and at this late hour said 
Lewis, with anxiety. “ Wait one moment, boys, till I look 
out.” 

A ladder, made for the purpose, was placed to reach an 
opening in the face of the rock, about nine feet from the 
ground. Lewis ascended the ladder, and through the leafy 
covering of the aperture, he saw standing below six Indians, 
with flaming torches, armed with long spears. They appeared 
to have no leader whom they chose to obey ; but one man, 
taller and more muscular than the rest, of a peculiarly fero- 
cious aspect, was haranguing the party and pointing out to 
them the spot where the dog had entered, and where he still 
continued whining for admittance, His hearers appeared re- 
bellious! and he struck one man violently with the butt end 
of the spear ; then crouching down himself, he followed the 
dog, and reaching the rocky barrier,»he placed his shoulder 
against it, and attempted, with loud cries, to force an en- 
trance 

The dog seemed now sensible that the man was an enemy j 
he growled, and then the party within were assured that he 
had seized the intruder, who uttered a frightful howl ; but in 
his recumbant position, wedged in the narrow passage, and 
entangled among the bushes, it was difficult for his friends to 
assist him. At length the Indians seized his legs, and 
dragged him out, the dog still following, and holding him by 
the throat ; and it was only by violent blows that the faithful 
creature was forced to relinguish his hold. The Indians then 
attempted to pierce the dog with their spears, but, darting 
from them, he bounded through an opening near the entrance, 
which was not less than eight feet from the ground, a feat 
Jack had taught him to perform a few days before ; and 
his friends were rejoiced to welcome their brave defender in 
safety. 

Two long spears were flung after the dog, fortunately with- 
out injury to any one ; but the besieged party took warning 
and retired beyond the reach of danger, except Lewis, who 
kept his station at the opening, and reported his observations 
to his anxious friends. He saw that the poor wretch who had 
been attacked by the dog still lay on the ground, apparently 


316 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


desperately wounded, but able to speak, for he pointed to tie 
rock, and uttered some words to the men around. They im- 
mediately threw their torches among the bushes that grew 
over the rock, following their usual destructive custom ; but 
if the plan had even been successful, it could not have en- 
dangered the inhabitants of that impregnable fort. The 
bushes, however, moist with the heavy rain of the day, 
would not ignite, and every effort to cause a conflagration 
was vain. 

The wounded warrior now seemed to urge on his com- 
panions the necessity of forcing the door ; and three of the 
men, one following another, crept along the narrow passage 
to make the attempt, while one was left in charge of the 
horses, and the flfth bent over the leader, appearing to be 
stanching the blood that flowed from his wounds. 

“ We must now prepare in earnest for action,” said Lewis. 
“ If the stone gives way, Almagro, do you immediately fire 
through the crevice ; and if those outside attempt to enter, I 
will fire from above ; but let us not shed blood unless it be 
necessary.” 

The force of the three men, confined in the narrow passage, 
was wholly ineffectual in moving the rock ; and Almagro 
called out that he believed all was safe ; but Lewis did not 
attend, for at that moment his attention was excited by the 
horrible sight which the flaming torches revealed to him 
of an immense puma, which suddenly sprung from the dark 
wood upon the back of the Indian who was bending over his 
friend. The monster in a moment seized the head of the 
man, and swung him over its head with a violence that as- 
sured Lewis his neck must be broken, and was making 
off with his pre)', when Lewis, involuntarily uttering a 
cry of horror, fired his rifle with such good aim that the 
beast fell. , 

Almagro, conceiving the cry of Lewis was intended for a 
signal, fired at the same moment, and a loud cry and groan 
proclaimed that his shot had been effectual. Two of the 
savages then withdrew from the entrance, dragging with them 
the dead body of their companion. They rose and gazed on 
it for a moment, then, turning, they beheld the puma, still 
struggling with its victim. They seemed appalled and dis- 
tracted, and, rushing to the horses, they leaped upon them, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


317 


and, followed by the man who had been left to hold the ani- 
mals, the mounted men fled wildly up the hilly slope to the 
ridge. 

“ They are mad !” said Lewis ; “ they can never descend 
the mountain in the darkness of the night ; and ignorant of 
the road, they will be lost I’’ But the wind roared, and the 
rain fell, and they saw no more of the Indians. 

“ Something must be done for these wretches, who may 
still be living,” said Charles, when Lewis had narrated the 
combination of fearful accidents which had preserved the in- 
nocent. “ I, for one, will go out and look after these unfo-r* 
tuna-te creatures.” 

“We will all go!” was the cry of the young men; and^ 
notwithstanding the terrors of the females, they took lighted 
candles, and all proceeded to the field of blood. 

Wallace rushed after them, and would again have fallen 
on his old enemy ; but Charles and Jack pereurptorily called 
him olf, while Lewis approached to ex;imine the state of the 
wounded savage^ He was lying with his eyes glaring round 
with a vengeful look, and as he saw them, he muttered some 
words in his own language in a tone of defiance. Lewis, ad- 
dressing him in Spanish, told him he came to bind up his 
wounds, and to save his life if possible. As he bent over to 
examine him, Almagro saw the savage stealthily draw a knife 
from his belt ; and he just succeeded in seizing his arm, and 
wresting the weapon from him, as he was making a bu'nge at 
the benevolent doctor. 

“ It is vain to use humanity here ; leave him to his fate — 
the death of a dog, which he deserves,” said Almagro. But 
Lewijs could not be dissuaded from doing his duty. He made 
Charles and Almagro hold the arms of the wretch, whose 
violence had caused a greater flow of blood, which rendered 
him weaker. Lewis examined the throat, and found it dread- 
fully kcerated; but as the artery did not seem injured, 
though the loss of blood was great, he thought, by proper 
care, a cure might be efiected. It certainly was a fearful 
risk to introduce such a savage under their roof ; but to leave 
him exposed to the tempest in this condition would be certain 
death to him. He began therefore to bind up the wounds, in 
order to render his removal less hazardous; but the struggles 
and resistance of the man were so great, that he succeeded 


318 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


with much difficulty ; and, as he finished, the ungrateful 
wretch endeavored to seize in his teeth the hand that had 
saved him from immediate death. Fortunately he did not 
succeed ; hut, the moment his hands were released, he tore 
ofiP the bandages with fury, and, raising himself by a violent 
effort to his feet, he sprung forward and snatched up his 
spear, that was leaning against a tree. But this exertion 
hastened his doom — the blood gushed from his thix)at and 
mouth, and he fell down in the agonies of death. . 

In the mean time Jack’s first care had been to go up to the 
puma, which he found now, as well as its victim, quite dead. 
Tom and he removed the body of the man from the grasp of 
the ferocious beast, and laid it by the side of the Indian shot 
by Almagro, who was also dead. It was a fearful spectacle 
to see death around them ; and the strong men could not for- 
bear shedding tears over the disfigured corpses of their violent 
and unprovoked enemies. 

When the last breath of the ferocious leader had passed, 
they looked upon the faces of these dark ruffians, and trembled 
to consider what would have been the fate of their happy cir- 
cle, if the bolt of heaven had not fallen on the heads of the 
savage assailants. Still they could not abandon the bodies 
of these men, their brothers by creation, and the image of 
God, to be the prey of the unclean condor; and they were at 
a loss where to bestow these sad memorials of their victory 
till morning. At length they brought from the cave the sail- 
cloth which had formed their tent in their early wanderings, and 
had been bicought from Esperanza to use as a screen against 
the. wind from the inner caves. They spread this covering 
over the bodies and placed heavy stones upon it, to keep it 
down ; then Tom stripped the puma of its handsome skin, and 
hung it up to be dried, before they finally entered and closed 
their retreat. 

It was some time before the agitated community could be 
sufficiently composed to perform their evening devotions, which 
concluded with a special thanksgiving for their preservation 
from the savage beast, and still more savage man. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


319 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


The Return of Mr. Merton and the Caciques. The Fate of the Indian 

Traitors, The new Converts. Departure of the Indians. The 

Caverns explored. The ingot of Silver. The Visit to the Plains. 

Conflict with the Wild Cattie. The Peccaries. Tom’s Accident. 

The repose of the family was disturbed, and they rose early 
to remove the fearful spectacle which deformed their quiet 
glade. The young men were not sorry to see the three horses 
of the slain grazing quietly j they were fine animals, with sad- 
dle-cloths of rich skins, and would certainly prove an acqui- 
sition to their diminished stud. 

The morning was stormy, and the rain fell on the youths 
as they dug ih a remote niche of the glen the graves of their 
enemies ; but suddenly their labor was arrested by the 
sound of well-known voices, and they sprung forward to wel- 
come their expected friends. 

“ Is all well V’ asked Mr. Merton, in an agitated voice ; 
and, satisfied with the reply, he lifted up his hands in thank- 
fulness. 

“ These men,” said Paul, looking on the grim features of 
the dead; “ have received their just punishment. They were 
traitors to their cacique, cowards, and base liars. Neverthe- 
less, you, good doctor, who love to save life, way find work 
on the plain below, where two of the cowardly fugitives lie, 
stricken by the hand of God.” 

The family then learned that Paul had discovered the ab- 
sence of the six men, who were the most disobedient and 
savage of the tribe ; he found also that they had not only 
stolen from him rich skins and silver ornaments, but had also 
carried off Mr. Merton’s faithful dog. Alarmed at their 
flight, as he suspected their intentions, he communicated his 
fears to Mr. Merton and Cangapol. They had set out at a 
speed which alarmed Mr. Merton. 

As they drew near the foot of the mountain, they perceived 
a dark group, and Cangapol made ready his bow, which he 


320 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


carried in preference to fire-arms; as lie felt assured, lie said, 
that the men were encamped on this spot. They soon saw 
that but one man was standing by the side of his horse, look- 
ing down on two recumbent figures. Paul, with the impetu- 
osity of youth, rode up to the man, and denounced him, in the 
Indian tongue, as a robber and a traitor. The villain poised 
h.s spear with deadly aim against his chief, which Cangapol 
saw, and in a moment sent an arrow through the heart of 
the Indian. Mr. Mierton was dreadfully shocked at this sum- 
mary execution, and could never afterwards be convinced that 
the occasion justified the act of homicide. 

On looking round, they found the other two Indians lying, 
apparently dying, their horses dead, and not far from them. 
From one of the unfortunate sufferers, Paul extorted some 
account of the proceedings of the previous night ; he added, 
that in their frantic flight from the terrible puma, and more 
terrible fire-arms, they had rushed up the slope, not aware of 
the abrupt ridge of the mountain, for, guided by Wallace, 
they had come up by the winding path at the side, which they 
could not discover on their return. They had left the torches 
behind in their dismay, and being quite in the dark, and 
blinded by the tempest, they lost all control over their horses 
in the descent. The ground was moist and slippery with the 
continual rain ; and the usually adroit horsemen were unable 
to prevent their horses from falling, and rolling down the 
steep mountain-side, through briers and brushwood, with 
fearful rapidity, till they reached the plain. One of the riders 
alone had been able to get clear of his horse, with little or 
no injury, but only to lose his life in the act of murder and 
treason ; the others, bewildered, stunned, and lacerated, lost 
all consciousness ; and recovered only to find their horses 
dead, and themselves dragged from the bushes by their unin- 
jured companions, scarcely living, with limbs broken and la- 
cerated, exposed to the fury of the storm through the long 
darkness of night, and expecting death every moment to 
release them from their agony. 

It was impossible to remove these wretched sufferers with- 
out assistance : but no time was now lost ; two mattresses 
were immediately carried down, and Lewis provided himself 
with medicine, bandages, and all needful appliances. He 
found, on examination, the fractured limbs of the men so 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


32 ) 


much swollen and inflamed, that no operation could take place 
at present. The men were therefore placed on mattresses, 
and transported with all care up the difficult road, groan iug 
with the anguish, which even Indian fortitude could not support 
unmoved. 

All selfish considerations were waived, and the Indians ad- 
mitted at once into the cave ; but they were not in a state to 
notice where they were placed, and it was only the aid 
of powerful restoratives that prevented them from sinking im- 
mediately. Their limbs were dreadfully fractured, and 
Lewis had no hope of saving their lives, as assistance had 
been too long delayed. He gave them composing medicines 
to alleviate the pain ; and Mr. Merton, with pious earnest- 
ness, endeavored to awaken them to a sense of their wicked- 
ness, and to enlighten their ignorance. In their long hours 
of agony, during the darkness of the night, it was imp&j;'j^fbk 
to conceive a human mind so steeped ‘in apathy or ignorance, 
as not to have made some reflections on the past ; some spec-j . 
lations on the future j and the men seemed to be somewhat 
moved by the good priest’s exhortations. But life was fast 
passing away ; and though the charitable Mr. Merton al- 
ways believed some ray of light fell on the souls of the 
dying men, none could judge of their state but that God 
into whose awful presence they were summoned in a few 
hours. 

The day was spent in serious instruction and earnest 
prayer, and before evening Mr. Merton was satisfied to admit 
his new friends into the Church of Christ, by administering 
the rite of baptism. Early next morning the Indians were 
buried ; and then, dressed in their fairest robes, the whole 
party set out for church, where Cangapol and his son were bap- 
tized by the names of Pedro and Albert, and the ceremony 
of marriage performed between the new Christian a.nd Zara. 
Then Mr. Merton addressed a particular discourse in Spanidi 
to the Indians, who listened to it with earnest and devout 
attention. 

Notwithstanding the gloomy events of the last few days, 
the young people would not give up the festival ; and when 
they were all gathered round the table, which was decorated 
with the plate, china, and glass brought from the hidden store 
at Esperanza, the happy and united family forgot all ineir 
21 


322 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


dangers, and enjoyed Nanny’s excellent dinner as much as she 
desired. The children were prettily dressed in white muslin 
frocks, made by the industrious sisters, who had also attired 
Zara in a rich blue silk dress, — a present to them from Mrs. 
Douglas ; and Almagro sighed to think that his daughter, 
who now looked like a queen, must return to the huts of the 
savages. 

“ Do not be grieved, my father,” said she ; “ is it not my 
duty to live with my husband and my child ? and it is the duty 
of the Cacique to dwell amongst his people. See what a large 
work we have before us. I must teach the women to be clean 
and industrious ; Pedro will persuade the men to become 
hunters or husbandmen ; and when they are less savage, 
Mr. Merton will come to us, and teach them to be Chris- 
tians.” 

This was a pleasant plan, and even the grave Pedro smiled 
at the enthusiasm of his lovely wife ; nor did he altogether 
despair of such a result. At all events, he entreated the 
family to return to Esperanza in the spring ; Paul and he 
engaging for the forbearance of their tribes. But Paul ad- 
vised them to fortify their settlement, that they might be 
secur-ed from the attacks of tribes from the west of the Cor- 
dilleras, who not unfrequently made plundering expeditions 
on the Pampas. From the still ruder savages of the south, 
they were protected by the great distance which lay between 
them ; and the more civilized tribes of the north were less 
ferocious, and, if even they wandered so far, would rather 
desire to traffic with the settlers than wantonly de.stroy 
them. 

The Indians remained a few days longer at the rock ; the 
two chiefs hunting with the young men, and assisting them 
to obtain a considerable quantity of beef, to be dried or salted 
for the winter, now close at hand. The friends parted with 
reluctance, but it was necessary the Caciques should return 
to their people. Zara wept bitterly, and promised to come 
again if the snow did not fall ; but the horses of the Pampas 
do not like the snow. Mr. Merton wished to retain the 
young Albort, to lay the foundation of a better education 
than ho oould obtain at the toldos ; but the parents were un- 
willing to part with him, as Pedro said such a measure might 
offend tke tribe. 


THE MERTON FAMILY 


B23 


Once more the family were left alone, to talk of the strange 
events of the last two months, and to prepare for their winter 
seclusion. No time was lost in bringing all the maize and 
wheat flour, which they ground on the spot, from Eaperanza, 
leaving a plentiful supply of grain for seed in Spring. Can- 
dles, soap, and potatoes, were also brought from the cave ; 
and, trusting they had now sufficient stores for thoiliselves, they 
turned to consider the condition of the cattle. 

It was absolutely necessary to build sheds to protect the 
animals from storms, for it would have been a great difficulty, 
as they had previously experienced, to introduce the horses 
through the narrow passage into the cave ; and to bring the 
cows into the same shelter would have been impossible. 
They soon raised two long low huts against the face of the 
rock ; the end of one being close to the entran«e to the 
cave, that the access might be easy in case the sncw should 
be deep. 

These huts were formed, like those formerly built at Es- 
peranza, of poles intertwined with bamboos and plastered with 
mud ; the roofs thatched with dry branches, leaves, and moss. 
The sun was still sufficiently powerful at noonday to dry the 
walls in a few days ; and having collected dry grass and 
leaves for bedding, they completed the sheds by fixing to 
them substantial doors, obtained from the ruins at Espe- 
ranza, which they attached to the door-posts by hinges of 
hide ; and hide straps, by which the door was fastened 
every night, secured the cattle from the attacks of wild 
beasts. 

Since the appearance of the puma, there existed a little fear 
in the family that more of the animals might be in the neigh- 
borhood; and to satisfy Mrs. Merton, as well as to dispel socie 
doubts of his own, Lewis proposed tcj^the youths an expffdi- 
tion through the labyrinth of caves that existed beyond th ir 
own hall. With the precaution of carrying arms, and what 
Nanny deemed an extravagant supply of candles, they set out 
to explore these extraordinary hollows of the rocks. Erom 
one opening to another they passed into a succession o> 
some totally dark; others lighted by loop-holes above, 
lofty and artificial in appearance, that it was difficult to be- 
lieve they were not the work of man’s hand. Mote tEan 
once Lewis pointed out to Tom remarkable appearances on 


324 


ADV'ENTUllES AND WANDERINGS OF 


the wall, as if the rock had been cut away by some instru- 
ment. 

No animal but the birds seemed to have visited these 
cv v-es, and they terminated their search by turning through a 
lateral open^ing, attracted by the murmur of water, and found 
the stream, which, pouring through an opening above, had 
worn itself a channel through the rocky caves, till winding 
through some unseen passage, it again appeared on the green 
plain before the cave. They pursued the course of the stream, 
and as they passed along, the light carried by Tom fell on 
some glittering object j he stooped to examine it, and cried 
out, Lewis;) I verily believe this large mass lying half in 
the water is silver/’ 

It really was silver ; and Lewis declared that he had for 
some time suspected that these vast caverns were abandoned 
mines, prubably worked by the enterprising Spaniards, when 
they held possessions on both sides of the Cordilleras, and 
forgotten in the decay and depopulation of the country. 

“ But what a fortunate discovery for us !” said Tom, 
“ We have only to collect as much silver as we can transport 
from the spot, and our fortune is made.” 

Jack burst into a loud laugh, which the echoing caves re- 
turned with a mocking derision, very mortifying to Tom. 
“ You have forgotten the Swiss Robinson, Tom,” said his 
brother. ‘‘ It was Francis, I think, that wanted to carry 
away all the money from the wreck. What use in the world 
could we make of silver ? Iron would be ten times more 
valuable.” 

“ I should certainly not object to a pair of silver spurs,” 
said Charles, “ like those our friend Paul wore at his last 
visit. But I could not undertake to manufacture spurs, nor 
indeed if I had them, have I a pair of boots fit to attach them 
to,” and Charles looked, with a sigh, at his worn-out boots. 

“ There were some capital bootmakers at Pedro’s tol- 
deria,” said J ack j “ they would have fitted you out in no time, 
Ch-rley.’* 

“ I c'^nclude the boots were merely colts’ skins, dried and 
oiled,” said Charles, with contempt. 

« They bad an improved plan,” answered Jack. « They 
jtust drew the skin from the legs of the colt, and fitted it 
upon their own legs, warm and bloody, where it remained till 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


325 


worn out, a part of themselves, and a wonderful fit — Hoby 
himseK could not succeed better. But now, Lewis, is it worth 
white to carry oflf this silver 

Lewis lefi the decision to themselves, and Tom said, “ Then 
we will take it. I acknowledge my blunder about the utility 
of the metal, but I should like to try the experiment of melting 
the silver, and moulding it into some vessel. You see the 
action of the water has already cleared away the earthy par- 
ticles.*’ 

“ Yes,” said Lewis ; “ this appears to be a piece of virgin 
silver, and may be melted and used without further prepara- 
tion. Had it been the amalgam, or compound of mercury and 
silver, in which mixed state it is usually found, we should 
have had to extricate the silver by a process which our 
present circumstances would hjive rendered difficult or im- 
possible.” •' 

They continued long in the stream, carrying with them 
their new acquisition, till in a cave adjacent to that they had 
used for the horses, the little rivulet disappeared through the 
rock. 

- My opinion is,” said Lewis, ‘‘ that our most important 
discovery to-day is that of the source of the rivulet. 
New we can always procure water, in defiance of frost or storm.’ | 

The piece of silver, which weighed two or three pounds, 
was admired by the young ladies, and curiously examined by 
l!*r. Merton, who said, as he put it down, “ Thank God, my 
o4/Mren that this shining metal cannot lead you into tempta- 
tion. Fortunately, this lure to evil is useless to us. We have 
all the comforts of life without money, and money could not 
purchase for us the dangerous luxuries of life.” 

“ It is clear,” said Lewis, “ that this mine has never 
been worked to any very great extent like some in the north 
of the Andes ; one of which is said to extend three hundred 
miles.” 

I trust,” said Matilda, “ that it may never again be 
opened, to desecrate this peaceful spot with fires and furnaces, 
and people it with worn-out wretches, torn from the free- 
dom of their hunting-grounds to labor as slaves in the 
mines.” 

The young men procured from Nanny a large iron pot, and, 
in one of the interior caves placed the vessel with the silver 


326 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


in it, over an immense fire, which was not an e:? travag'*nc 
as the woods supplied them plentifully with fuel. } ' ere they 
melted the silver, and in moulds made by themselves, form 20 
two drinking cups, even succeeding in placing handies upon 
them. Afterwards Tom engraved an inscript'on on each , ie 
noting that they were presented to Mr. and Mrs. M 6 .rU)n by 
their childien. These cups were by no means mii-acleo of aj’t 
they were not classical in form, nor perfect in finish, but tney 
were proudly used by the parents, and admired even by 
Nanny ; who said, “ there was some sense in making a cup that 
Wallace couldn’t break, if he did knock it down with his 
tantrums P Nor was the remainder of the silver wasted, for 
they made saltcellars, fruit-knives, and several other pretty 
useful little utensil*. 

The wild fowl occasionally visited the streamlet, and the 
bolas supplied the table with an agreeable change from tha 
charqui to which they had been confined while busied with 
the building and melting ; but they proposed ancther hunt' 
ing'day before ihe snow came on. This expedition was, how 
ever, deferred too long , for on the morning they were to set 
out they arose to find the air darkened with falling snow, 
which already lay two feet deep on the ground. A f ith was 
soon cleared to the sheds, the cows were milked, Jl the mi 
mals were fed, and their masters rejoiced as they ah oref the? 
doors of the snug stables, that they had been able to y* 

this shelter for their faithful servants. 

The snow continued to fall for several days, and the little 
glen was so buried among the high mountains, that at this 
season, even the midday sun did not reach it to melt the snow, 
which lay four feet deep, but became so hard that they could 
walk over it. The young men dimed to the ridge, and look- 
ing down upon the plain, .saw scattered patches of snow be* 
neath the trees ; but a large portion was uncovered, and 
groups of wild cattle were browsing on the stunted pas- 
turage. 

Charles was anxious for a chase, but Lewis dissuaded him, 
for the descent would be dangerous during the frost, and the 
family at home would be unhappy. The confinement to the 
cave was long, but they devoted many hours in the day 
to useful studies, perfecting themselves in the day to 
useful studies, perfecting themselves in languages, especially 
the useful Spanish. Lewis taught Tom and Matilda astron- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


omy, Mary and Maria had greater enjoyment in reading 
history or travels; Mary had also a talent for drawing, 
and amused her friends with many humorous and skilful 
sketches. 

After a month’s confinement, the decrease of the snow, and 
a clear sky, induced Mr. Merton to consent that the party 
should visit the plains below ; especially as the whole family 
were tired of salted food, and Dr. Lewis prescribed a change 
of diet, lest their health should suffer. They found the plains 
free from snow, but the air was keen, and the wild cattle were 
collected under the trees for shelter in rather larger herds 
than they liked to encounter ; still they thought it would be 
disgraceful to return empty-handed, and wer« riding up to- 
wards the herd, when a ferocious old bull made a charg ' 
against Field-Marshal Jack, who was always in advance^ and 
was immediately followed by the whole herd. 

The young men had proposed only to use the bolas, but 
had fortunately brought their rifles,jind as this was no time 
for economy, Lewis cried, “ Fire!” and they sent a volley 
into the midst of the astonished herd. The huge bull was 
wounded in the chest, but rushed on in his last agonies, gored 
Tom’s horse frightfully, and then fell dead. The w(mnded 
horse, which was one of those belonging to the Indian^?eared 
up, frantic with pain, and all expected hp would fall Sack on 
his rider ; but Tom, by a sudden jerk of the rein, brought him 
down on his side. 

“ I fear my leg is broken,” said Tom to his friends, who 
were gathered anxiously round him ; “ but 1 am thankful to 
have escaped the death 1 expected, if the poor beast lad 
fallen back. He is dying ; put him out of his misery, 
Charles.” 

Tom was extricated, and the horse shot through the head. 
The herd had scampered off after the death of their champion, 
leaving two of their number dead on the field, which were 
carried off by Almagro and Charles, who hastened homeward 
to break the sorrowful news to the family, and t( bring a mat- 
tress and board on which to carry Tom. 

In the mean time, with the assistance of Jack, Lewis re- 
duced the fracture and enveloped the limb in the bark of a 
tree, which they peeled for the purpose. He also bled his 
patient, who fortunately seemed to have received no ether in- 


328 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


jury beyond the broken leg ; and they then sat down to wait 
patiently for the return of the messengers. 

We should be in a pretty condition now, Lewis,” said 
Jack, “ if another army of those four-legged warriors was to 
take the field against us. What would be our best plan in 
such a case ? To make the best fight we could, as long as 
we could hold the ground '? or to leave our poor horses to 
be gored, and run away on foot, carrying off our wounded 
hero 

No ! no !” said Tom ) “ If there be any danger, you two 
must tree, and leave me to my fate. It is probable that these 
wild creatures would hardly deign to notice such a poor pros- 
trate creature as I am, especially if Lewis will give me his 
brown poncho in exchange for this unlucky scarlet, which 
doubtless offended the eyes of that irritable old bull.” 

Lewis laughed at Tom’s precaution, but exchanged cloaks 
with him for fear of accidents, and had scarcely done so, 
when Jack cried out, “ Look out, Lewis, the enemy is 
upon us !” 

Lewis did look out, and saw approaching a herd of hog- 
shaped, frightful dark animals, with long snouts, bristly backs 
and apparently no tails. There were not more than twenty 
of them, which rather abated the alarm of Lewis, for these 
animals, the peccaries or javalies, are dangerous when asso- 
ciated in numbers. With their large sharp tusks and formi- 
dable strong jaws, they will attack man or beast, and fre- 
quently gore the legs of the horses dreadfully. 

“ Don’t be alarmed, dear Tom,” cried Jack, “ we will face 
the enemy and protect you. The bolas or the rifle, Lewis 

“ The rifle, by all means, Jack,” answered his friend, “ and 
we may need Tom’s rifle as well, for these creatures have the 
hoggish nature, and are as obstinate as they are courageous. 
Wait till they are near, for we must^ot waste a charge. 
They have not seen us yet, for they are grubbing in the 
ground for roots. We must try to carry home some pork for 
Nanny 5 but at this season I fear it will be poor.” 

The leader of the herd, attracted either by its natural an- 
tagonist, the horse, or by the scarlet poncho, now grunted 
forth its orders to the rest, and set out in a waddling trot to- 
wards the foe. Lewis and Jack, marking their victims, fired, 
and the general and his aide-de-camp fell. But this did not 


THE MERTON FA^NITLY. 


322 


arrest the course of the herd, which moved on with dogged 
resolution. The friends fired the second barrels, and two 
more were killed. The herd only grunted and screamed in 
a more angry tone, and came on to within twenty yards of their 
opponents. 

“ Lewis,” cried Tom, “ do you take my gun, and let Jack 
run up that beach tree. I have my spear, ani can keep the 
beasts off me for a little time.” 

Lewis took the gun, fired both barrels, and then prepared 
to drive off the animals with the butt-end, if possible. Jack 
assisting him with a spear. But the obstinate peccaries sur- 
rounded them ; and they were in great alarm for Tom, when 
fortunately they saw their friends approaching. They cried 
out aloud to them to hasten their speed ; and the good horse- 
men galloped on, and, speedily reaching the spot vdth loud 
shouts they fired a volley on the ignoble, hoggish crew. The 
beasts, as much alarmed at the cries of their antagonists as 
at the destruction caused by their weapons, finally took 
to flight, with loud grunts of vexation at their discomfi- 
ture. 

The first words were congratulations at their escape, then 
succeeded irresistible laughter at the nature of their enenies, 
in which even the suffering Tom joined, though he comessed 
he had been in mortal terror. 

“ Come, Charley,” said Jack, “ help to get this poor wound- 
ed fellow upon the mattress, and let us retreat before we have 
any more assailants ; though how we shall dare to .show our 
faces to the girls I cannot tell, after crying out for help against 
an attack of swine.” 

“ I can assure you, Jack,” said Tom, “ that the white- 
lipped peccary, Dicotyles labiatus, is by no means an enemy 
to be slighted, however you may loathe its nature. Yet its 
food is less disgusting than that of the domestic hog, being 
fruits, grains, and herbs when they can be obtained, i.nd at 
this season, the roots which lie in the earth. It is said they 
will, in scarcity, -eat fish, or even reptiles, but that scarcity 
can never exist in this land of plenty. Would it not be de- 
sirable, Lewis, before you carry off the spoil, to remove the 
offensive gland, which will otherwise taint the flesh.” 

Lewis, with the assistance of Almagro, who had met with 
the animal before in his rambles, carefully extracted the par- 


330 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


fcioalaT gland from the loins of the animal, which secretes a 
filthy fluid, of a nature so inodorous, that it almost vies with 
the zorillo in keeping all the animals aloof from it. 

The ground was strewed with the slain. The fierce old 
leader was abandoned as uneatable ; of the remainder, six of 
the youngest were selected, tied in pairs, and suspended across 
the horses of Charles and Almagro, who carried Tom. Lewis 
rode by his side to see that all went on well, and Jack led 
the laden horses. The difficulty in getting the litter through 
the wood caused Tom much suffering ; and many tears were 
shed by the family, who came to meet him, at the sight of his 
weak and fainting condition. But once laid on his own bed 
and a cordial given him he revived, and begged that no one 
would be distressed for by God’s help, his good friend I)r. 
Lewis would soon cure him. ‘‘ And, after all, mamma,” ad- 
ded he, “ it is better that I rather than Jack should be com- 
pelled to lie in bed for a month. Jack would have been 
wretched in confinement ; but with books, and such employ- 
ment as I can accomplish, I believe I shall rather enjoy my 
lazy life.” 

“ And you see, my dear Mr. Merton,” said Lewis, “ I shall 
not loose my art for want of practice in the wilderness. I 
have had several patients, and tolerable success.” 

“ You are very charitable, my son,” said the good man, 
to sacrifice the pleasures of the world to live here amid pri- 
vations, dangers, and the dulness of solitude. I dare not ex- 
pect you always to remain with us.” 

“ I shall certainly not run away,” replied Lewis ; “ see ! 
Mrs. Merton and the young ladies actually look alarmed at 
the idea of losing such an important personage as the family 
apothecary.” 

“ The family friend, rather,” exclaimed Matilda. Never 
leave us, dear Dr. Lewis. If you go, we will all go ; with- 
out you Esperanza would indeed be a wilderness.” 

Lewis was much affected at the earnestness of his friends, 
to whom he was greatly attached ; he had no ties to attract 
him elsewhere, and in this salubrious air was in much better 
health than he had been before he left England. He 
was not only content but determined to continue one of the 
family. 

While Tom was left to repose, the rest assisted in removing 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


331 


fche rough thick skin of the peccaries ; though Jack de- 
clared it to be a perfect waste of time, for the hide must be 
useless. 

« “ I shall use some of the bristles for drawing-brushes,” said 
Mary. 

“ The bristles, with a little ingenuity,” said Lewis, may 
be formed into several useful brushes. Nanny constantly be- 
moans her want of brushes, and we must try to make seme 
Neither is the skin to be despised. Jack ; it will make ex- 
cellent saddles. We must cure and clean all the hides, for 
we shall need stout leather when we begin to work at Espe- 
ranza.” 

The pork was certainly not equal to the well-fed pork of 
Westmoreland ; but it was an agreeable change of food ; some 
hams were salted for curing, and the fat melted for domestic 
purposes ; and after this large supply of meat there was no 
more hunting for some weeks. 


f 


332 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


Plans for Rebuilding Esperanza. The Coracles of the Indians. The 
Breach in the Caves. The Battle of Jack and the Condor. The 
Spectre in the Cave. The Happy Meeting. Old Friends assembled 
in the Cave of Refuge. 

The Weather continued uncertain j showers of sleet and 
rain during the day were often followed by frosts at night ; 
but the family were all happily occupied. Tom was in a fair 
way of recovery, though still kept in a recumbent position j 
but under his father and Dr. Lewis he made great pro- 
gress in improving his mind. He applied himself diligently 
to mathematics, and acquired a taste for higher studies than 
those he had been formerly engaged in. 

The sun had now more power ; the snow melted, the little 
stream was swollen, and the rich mud washed from the rocks 
above spread itself over the tiny glade to fertilize it. Then 
the grass began to spring, and the cattle were released to 
enjoy the fresli herbage. Tom was carried out on his mat- 
tress to brea'h*^ the pure air, and the young workmen pro- 
duced their plans, and proposed to commence their building 
immediately 

“ My plau is,” said Tom, that we should carry a brick 
wall, nine feet high, round a space of ground sufficiently ex- 
tensive to contain our fields, gardens, corrals, and dwellings. 
Esperanza must be, in fact, a fortified town.” 

“ Might we not leave the side to the river open said Ma- 
tilda. “ It is usually impassable to the Indians ; and we 
might have a drawbridge for ourselves.” 

“ No, my dear,” replied Mr. Merton ; “ I would rather 
have a wall. Remember the lions and tigers that have visit- 
ed us. Moreover, some of the South Amerioan Indians do 
cross rivers in coracles, which vessels, if it could be effected 
with safety, I would gladly see. I have an idea that they 
must be of classical form.” 



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THE MERTON FAMILY. 




“ Not a bit of it, sir,” said Charles. They are no more 
like the coracles described by Herodotus, as in use in Babylo- 
nia, than they are to a Roman galley. The ancient coracle 
was of wicker work, circular in form, with no distinction be- 
tween prow and stern, lined with reeds, and oovorod with 
leather, and 2,000 years have not effected much improvement 
in the construction of this vessel. The basket coracles are 
still used on the Euphrates, precisely the same in form 
and manufacture, except that instead of the covering of 
leather, they have now a coating of pitch, within and with- 
out.” 

“ These coracles, then,” said Matilda, “ must resemble the 
Egyptian ark of bulrushes, in which the infant Moses was 
placed, and which was ‘ pitched within and without.’ ” 

“ Precisely so, my cousin,” replied Charles. “ But the 
coracles of our neighbors, the Indians, are merely hides, 
stretched out by rods within, and are neither classical in form 
nor in association.” 

“ However curious we may be,’ said Lewis, “ to observe 
the form of the Indian coracle or canoe, I think the less op. 
portunity we may have for the observation the better. 1 
agree with Mr. Merton that it is expedient to wall our settle- 
ment, certainly a formidable undertaking : but we are expert 
brick- makers, have abundance of material, and are not limit- 
ed to time, for we can still retain possession of this tolerably 
convenient lodging for an indefinite period ; therefore I pro- 
pose that we no longer delay our commencement.” 

All joyfully agreed to become laborers, and the next ques- 
tion was the extent of ground to be inclosed. Mi-. Mer*on 
thought the old boundaries contained as much land as tney 
had a right to appropriate, that was, as much as sufficed for 
their wants. The younger party took a larger view of the 
future, and contended that when they were building they 
might as well secure an ample portion of ground, for the 
settlement might ultimately become a colony. 

« And remember, papa,” said Jack, we are actually con- 
ferring a benefit on posterity, by bringing waste lands into 
cultivation, clearing the forests, slaying wild beasts, and ci. 
vilizing savages. Indeed, I consider we are great philan- 
thropists.” 


334 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


I doubt it, my son,” replied Mr. Merton. “ I fear that 
we are merely actuated by the selfishness of fallen human na- 
ture ; we seek our own profit, our own safety, and our own 
fa'se of mindj and the benefit of posterity is but a secondary 
consideration with us. Nevertheless, it may be prudent to 
Ofilirge our domain, for God may please again to send to us 
strangers in distress. Even the dear friends whose absence 
we so much regret may return to us, and it will be well 
to have accommodation for hospitality.” 

These preliminaries settled, Lewis, Almagro, Charles and 
Jack, the working men, set out next morning, leaving Wal- 
lace as guard to the weakened garrison. They found all in 
the same state they had left it at Esperanza, except the gar- 
den-beds which were somewhat scratched by the fowls, which 
still roosted on the old spot ; and the footsteps of the hare 
wore also to be traced ; but vegetation was springing, and 
the hand of the gardener and husbandman was needed ; yet 
they agreed that they must have many thousands of bricks 
made before they could till and sow. 

A number of moulds had been made during the winter, and 
the banks of the river now afforded them a plentiful supply 
of clay. They labored diligently during the day, and re- 
turned at night laden with a basket of eggs, collected in the 
old poultry-yard, happy to report their progress, and enjoy 
the repose of the evening. After a week of hard labor they 
piled the bricks, already hardened, to be thorougly dried by 
the sun, and turned to the garden. They sowed all their 
seeds, and put everything in order, hoping before the seeds 
sprung up to have a wall raised which would protect the 
nlants from the devastations of the hare or the peccary. 

Every day the spring progressed, and Lewis collected the 
first flowers one bright evening to present to the fair sisters. 
But they found a little agitation in the household, and had to 
put down the ower® till they heard the cause. 

“ About two hour - ago,” said Matilda, ‘‘as we were sitting 
fjuietly at work, we were startled by a tremendous noise. I 
fancied I felt the cave shake beneath us, and I concluded it 
must be an earthquake, and that we might be overwhelmed by 
the next sho<!k. I considered for a moment, and then got 
Nanny ana papa to assist us in rolling away the great stone 
fr?m the entrance, I thought if we got mamma and Tom 


THE MEETON FAMILY. 


38 , 


out as far as the slope opposite the rock, we might be in less 
danger. We removed the barrier and left the cave ; thtfi^ 
Tom said : ‘ It is no earthquake ; the sky is clear and bright 5 
the birds are singing, and all Nature is in repose. Depend 
on it, Matilda, the noise has risen from some animal in the in- 
terior caves, or the fall of some piece of rock.’ I thought it 
impossible that any animal should have caused such a sound ; 
but it might be a fallen rock 3 and as mamma was very un- 
easy, I proposed that we should examine the inner caverns. 
She was very unwilling that we should venture ; but seeing 
her actually tremble with agitation, we left papa and Tom 
with her, and set out with rifles and spears like heroines, 
with lighted candles which were of much more use, and 
walked forward boldly, though I own my heart palpitated as 
we got farther and farther from ur own home. At length 
we saw daylight ” 

■ Daylight! Matilda, are you dreaming?” cried Jack. 

“ No, indeed, Jack,” continued she. “ We actually saw 
broad, bright daylight, through an opening at the side of the 
rock, at no very great height above us, while in the cave lay 
a large mass of rock and earth, fallen from the chasm above. 
No doubt, the melting of the snow had loosened the earth, 
ana. probably the immediate cause of the accident had been a 
poor guauaco which had lost its life by the fall ; but most 
wonderfully, a young one, which lay licking the dead mother, 
did not seem much injured. Maria took up the young gua* 
naco, and we hastened to retreat lest there should be another 
fal On our return I picked up some glittering ore, which 
Tv.m says contains much silver; and papa says is best lef In 
obscurity.”' 

I perfectly agree with our good father,” said Lewis , ‘ wo 
hav*o more important objects to demand our attention just 
now than smelting silver, which, after all, we could make 
very little use of.” 

“ Unless we cast it into bullets,” said Charles. “ I have 
heaj'd of a tribe of Indians in the north who use ^«lden 
bullets, gold being more easily attained than lead ; and silver 
is much better. Nanny could tell you a silver ballet never 
fails to do its duty.” 

Nanny pledged herself for the efiicacy of a silver bullet 
against an uncanny body,” and thought they might be good 


336 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


against ‘‘ them heathen Indians,” for they were “ surelie nn 
Cisnny.” 

But the silver was left unnoticed 5 the accident in the cav 
made the whole family still more anxious to return to Espe- 
ranza, and it required every moment of time to complete their 
great labors there. 

Next morning a large piece of rock was rolled before the 
opening into the cave where the rock had fallen, and the 
workmen returned to their brick-making for a few days more. 
They found the corn sown in the autumn already sprung up, 
and the fences of the fields being still secure, they had no 
anxiety on that account. 

‘‘ How much,” said Lewis, ‘‘ do I now wish for the sou'id, 
practical head of our good friend Douglas, to ajd us in la^mg 
out and fortifying our little domain. I have no hesitation in 
reclaiming any extent of land from the puma and the jaguar ; 
but to build so many hundred yards of wall, with only four 
workmen, would require much time now, when we ought to 
begin the dwellings. We cannot do both. Shall we build 
the house or the wall first 

I know,” said Jack, “ that dear papa and mamma would 
never consent to return to an unprotected house, they 
would rather remain in the cave, even during the hot sum- 
mer. We must try either a wall or a moat ; which would be 
best ?” 

‘‘ Let us have both,” said Charles. ‘‘ A wall, six feet high 
at present, which we can raise three feet higher when we have 
more time ; a deep ditch outside, and within a terrac« formed 
of the arih thrown from the ditch This terrace will foim 
a pleasant walk for the ladies, and an immense advantage to 
us in oe..e of a siege.” 

Very well, my boys,” said Lewis, but this would 
be at least four months’ work for four unpraotisod work- 
men.” 

‘‘ The girls will hand us the bricks,” said Jack ; “ we may 
reckon on good assistance from Maria and Mary who o* n 
work nearly as well as I can.” 

“ The dear girls have occupations more suitable to the)n 
than building,” answered Lewis. “ I could not bear 4^^ see 
their hands plastered with mud. But what are you grub’ ing 
among the ruins for. Jack ?” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


337 


I promised Tom that the hee-tree should be included in 
the inclosure,” replied Jack. “ Now, in his confinement, ho 
has been making a new kind of hive, into which he designs to 
lure a swarm of bees, and he wished me to try and find some 
fragments of glass in the ruins of the dear old hall, that he 
might insert them into his hive.” 

They carefully removed the charred wood and scattered 
leaves from the interior of the melancholy walls, which still 
remained standing, and found the frame of the window, which, 
being partly burnt, had fallen inside. Two or three panes 
of glass were still entire — a valuable contribution for their 
intended mansion. The fragments were collected and placed 
in a basket to be carried home, where they immediately pro- 
ceeded, determined that very evening to settle the question 
of the fortification. 

They found Maria with her little nursling, the guanaco, 
which she had brought out to crop the fresh grass on the 
green, and Jack remained with her, admiring the little crea- 
ture, while the rest entered the cave. “ Look at that huge 
condor perched on the high cliff,” said Maria ; « how he 
watches us with his cunning eye ! I have no doubt, if we 
were lying as still as my little guanaco is just now, it would 
have a peck at us.” 

She had scarcely spoken, when the bird spread its immense 
wings, and hovering over them for a moment, pounced on the 
pretty guanaco, and began to peck at its head. Maria 
shrieked, and Jack, who was without bolas or lasso, throw 
his cap at the bird ; but it merely lifted its head for a mo- 
ment, with a look of disdain, and continued its attack. 
Maria’s distress affected Jack much, and with his usual im- 
petuosity he sprung forward and seized the huge neck of the 
creature with both hands. It struggled, flapped its powerful 
wings against the brave lad, and twisted its head that it 
might reach him with its strong beak. 

“ A lasso ! Maria ! call Charles to bring a lasso !” cried 
Jack ; and Maria rushed into the cave, and returned followed 
by the whole family. The animal had succeeded in flinging 
Jack down on his back and was beating him with his wings ; 
but be still held it n^anfully by the throat. 

Almagro flung his bolas, which wound round its huge body, 
and restrained its wings for a moment ; then the thick thongs 
22 


338 


adventures and wanderings 02 


of hide burst asunder with its efforts, and the wings wcro 
released. But Charles and Lewis, one on each side, pierced 
it with their lances ; the dark blood gushed out, the wings 
flapped slowly and feebly, and Jack, rising, dragged his 
ferocious antagonist from its poor victim, and then relin- 
quished his iron grasp, and left the bird to die. 

“ A pretty thrashing I have had,” said he, rubbing his 
arms, “and a narrow escape from that two-legged tiger, 
which would, I verily believe, if you had not come up at the 
right moment, have pecked out my eyes, as it has done those 
of Maria’s poor pet ; for my strength was about done.” 

In that short time the condor had not only blinded the 
guanaco, but with its strong beak had penetrated the brain, 
and the animal died in a few minutes, to the great grief of its 
mistress. Tom measured the condor, which, with the wings 
extended, was twelve feet across. 

“ It is said,” he remarked, “ that the condor, Sarcoram- 
phus gryphus, sometimes measures fourteen feet across, and 
from three to four feet from the back to the extremity of the 
tail. It is a hideous bird, especially when gorged with food, 
for then the bare, wrinkled, red skin of the neck is displayed 
in a most disgusting manner. It is bold as the eagle, and 
voracious as the vulture 5 yet its talons are not formed to 
carry off its prey like the noble eagle ; but it pursues, secures, 
and then tears it to pieces, and feasts on it with a cruelty and 
voracity unparalleled among the feathered race ; and doubt- 
less this creature itself will soon be devoured by its cannibal 
kindred.” 

This was actually the case ; before morning the bones of 
the destroyer were picked by his own friends, and Mrs. Mer- 
ton shuddered as she hoped she should soon have a shelter at 
Esperanza, unmolested by pumas and condors. That evening 
they agreed that ten acres of ground should be inclosed — a 
large extent, but Lewis hoped, in a month, they should be 
able to raise round it a wall of six feet, and then proceed to 
the house building. All this was measured and marked next 
day ; the area included not only the “ bee-tree,” but several 
other trees, some of which were to be cut down and usefully 
employed, the rest to be left, as equally useful cither for their 
produce or shade ; and these preliminaries arranged, they re- 


IHE MERTON FAMILY. 


339 


turned to the cave with the confidence that they had made a 
beginning. 

“ And we will have a supper of fresh eggs to celebrate the 
commencement of the great work,” said Matilda. “ The hens 
have selected the very extremity u the caverns for their 
roosting-place ; but as I have no dread of the genii of the 
caves, if Nanny will spare me a candle, I will bring the 
eggs,” and taking a candle in one hand and her basket in 
the other, the intrepid girl tripped lightly through the gloomy 
windings of the rocks. 

Matilda was perhaps less gentle and obliging in temper 
than her sister ; but as Lewis watched her disappear, he could 
not help thinking the foibles of his favorite, her impatience of 
weakness, and love of sway, were atoned for by her firmness 
and fearlessness of character. As these thoughts were pass- 
ing in his mind, he was astonished to see Matilda re-appear, 
pale and trembling with agitation, and he sprung forward to 
assist her, and learn the cause of her alarm. 

“ There is a man in the caves,’' she articulated with diffi- 
culty, bursting into tears. “ I saw his face above the large 
piece of rock you had placed before the cave where the open- 
ing was made.” 

Jack and Charles had seized their rifles, and were rushing 
towards the back caves, but the entreaties of the females, 
and the commands of Lewis, arrested them. “ Do not be 
rash,” said he ; we will go together, prepared, but calm. I 
have no doubt the intruder is some animal, and no man. 
There is no cause for alarm, we will, if necessary, destroy 
the visitor, and then effectually close the communication with 
these remote caves. 

Leaving the family tolerably tranquilized, the four able 
men marched first, followed by Tom, leaning on a short lance. 
As they drew near the spot, the countenance of each was 
marked by intense anxiety. The piece of rock which had 
been placed to defend the inhabited caves from the intrusion 
of animals, was about five feet in height ; but above it, the 
evening light streamed from the aperture in the cave heyond. 
There was certainly no face over the rock now, and they 
.topped to consult on the prudence of removing the stone in 
order to examine the suspected retreat of the intruder, wiita 


340 


iU) VENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


they were electrijfied by the loud braying of a mule beyond 
the barrier. They burst into a loud laugh. 

“To think,” said Jack, “that the keen-eyed Matilda 
should actually take the face of a mule for that of a man. 
It has certainly fallen through the opening, and we must re- 
I'^ase it.” 

They removed the stone, and their lights flashing into the 
caves beyond, revealed the trembling form and pale face of a 
man, who, in a voice hoarse with agitation, exclaimed, in im- 
perfect Spanish, “Spare me, noble Indians, I am only a 
harmless traveller ; an accident brought me into the mine, 
and I have stolen no silver.” 

Lewis assured the panic-struck man that he was in no dan- 
ger, and inquired if he was alone. 

“ Lewis,” said Jack, “ the man is neither Spaniard nor In- 
dian ; his Spanish is worse than mine,” 

“ Oh ! God bless you, young gentlemen,” cried the man j 
“ for them’s the words of dear ould England for sartain.” 

“ Then you are English ?” inquired Lewis, gravely ; but 
Jack disdained all dignity, and immediately shook hands 
with a man who certainly did not speak English much better 
than Spanish. 

“ Yes, sir,” said the man. “ I’se a poor Yorkshire lead 
miner fra’ the Dales ; glad to hear my own tongue. It’s all 
along of this sappy mule, that knew no better than to tumble 
down t’shaft. Then t’mistress was sorely put about, for all 
her boxes had gone down too, and Jem Alderson, he cam’ 
down, he’s used to gan’ down shafts ; and up he comes, and 
swears he saw a spirit all dressed iv’ white, wi’ a lamp iv’ one 
hand, and a coffin iv’ t’other. And what s’uld sarve me, 
but I s’uld brag, that I’d come down, and send up t’mule wi’ 
rapes. Master was fain to come his sel’, but mistress has a 
bit of her own way, and she says, says she, ‘ Joe’s a brave 
lad, Joe s’all gang ;’ so down I cam, and a bonny fright I’ve 
getten,” and he looked round him with terror. 

While Joe was telling hi/ tale, Jiack had, unohseived, 
climbed up the inclined jlane formed by the fallen efcrth, ani 
disappeared through the op^ming above ; and just at this mo- 
ment they hoard him utter a loud “ hurrah !” Lewis aj, i 
< ’larles were not long ii following him, and emerging through 
the opening, they saw themselves in a hollow, surrounded by 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


xcc\&, and in the midst of men, women, and laden mules. 
Jack was locked in the embrace of a fur-clad lady, in whom 
they soon recognized Mrs. Douglas, while good portly Mr. 
Douglas stood laughing ; and even the pale and pensive Mr. 
Carruthers seemed to enjoy the scene. 

“What! my dear, dear friends!” cried Mrs. Douglas, 
“ are you all here ? Who could have expected you, one 
after another, to rise out of the earth, like gnomes, to help 
us in this Valley of Despair, in which we have wandered 
about for tws days, without discovering any means of escaping 
from it. And now, Dr. Lewis, how are you all ? Why are 
you not at Esperanza? And where is Esperanza? How 
can we get to it ? Extricate us, my dear friends, from this 
huge trap, which we have all concluded was to be our grave- 
yard.” 

“ I cannot answer all your questions yet, my dear Mrs. 
Douglas,” replied Lewis, “ nor can I expect you to answer 
mine ; though I am curious to know how you could possibly 
reach this inaccessible valley, unless, like Sindbad, you had 
each been tied to the leg of a roc, a bird which Matilda de- 
clares must certainly have been the condor. Our first con- 
sideration must be to introduce you to our hospitable halls j 
and I can see no other mode to accomplish this introduction 
than by your descending, like your mule, into the bowels of 
the earth !” 

“ I am here with the long ladder,” cried Almagro, 
putting his head through the opening ; “ I have tranquilized 
all the ladies, but have not told them a word of the good 
news.” * 

The re-united friends, accompanied by the two strange 
women, descended the ladder, John, their old servant, with 
Almagro and the two miners, remained to unload the 
mules and let down the baggage into the cave, and to leave 
the mules in their secure retreat, unless they could be induced 
to descend. 

Loudly did Mrs. Douglas express her wonder, as they 
wound through mazy rocks, till they reached the wooden 
door that inclosed the family residence j then the laughing 
Charles cried out, — 

“ On heaven and Our Lady call, 

And enter the enchanted hall.” 


342 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


The door flew opecj and disclosed a lofty, gothic-1 ooiiinr 
hall, lighted np with a blazing Are, on each side of which, in 
leather-covered easy-chairs, reclined Mr. and Mrs. Merton ; 
Nanny was spinning near them, and at a long table Matilda 
was reading, Maria drawing, and Mary, seated on a low stool, 
was teaching the little kneeling Cecilia an infantine prajer. 
This was a pretty and strange spectacle ; but the repose 
that invested it was soon dispersed. All were in motion ; 
laughing, weeping, and inquiries followed. 

Mr. Carruthers lifted up the kneeling infint, and kissing 
her fondly, said : “ This is my treasure, dear Mary ; I see 
again, in her features, my lost Eliza and he covered his 
face when he recalled her sad fate. The pretty child, think- 
ing he was playing with her, tried to pull ?.way his fingers 
from before his face ; then piaying with his hair, she turned 
to Mary, and said : “ More papa for Mr. Merton and Dr. 
Lewis were both called papa.” 

“ Bless us all !” said Nanny. How many more on you 
is there to come ? and ye’ll want your your suppers I reckon ; 
80 I must just set by my wheel.” 

“Indeed you must, Nanny,” answered Jack ; “for there 
is your friend John and two more hungry fellows to come. 
So bring out the ham, and cold round of beef you meant to 
give us to Esperanza to-morrow. 

“ That’s not a bad thought, Master Jack,” said she ; “ but 
you’ll have to fast for it. And where the beds are to come 
from for all of you I can’t see.” 

Nanny was really glad to see her valued friends again ; but 
grumbled as usual about^olks frightening you by coming in 
at back ways, as she sat out her large table with beef, ham, 
butter, and biscuits ; but her murmurs died away in quiet en- 
joyment, when she saw the table filled with happy faces, 
enjoying the plentiful repast. 

“ You must not think,” said Mrs. Douglas, “ that we have 
fallen short of provision on our journey, when you see our 
mighty appetite now. But the truth is that for the last few 
days we have been too anxious and vexed to eat. And now. 
Dr. Lewis, as you are eating nothing, pray give us an ex- 
planation of the cause of your quitting Esperanza, to shut 
yourselves up in this magnificent dungeon.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


343 


Lewis gave a brief recital of all that had passed since 
they parted, and added the present project of restoring Espe* 
ranza, rather than selecting another locality for their settle- 
ment. 

“ Then we have just arrived at the right moment,” said 
Mrs. Douglas ; “ for you must give us and our followers por- 
tions in the new Esperanza, and in the mean time put us into 
some of these branch dungeons,” following Nann^^ into some 
of the interior divisions, where she was already busy laying 
down skins and mattresses to accommodate the new guests. 

The two men, with John and Almagro, now entered, rather 
amazed at the strange reception-room j but the sight of the 
viands dispelled all doubts, and after a warm greeting between 
Nanny and her friend John, they sat down to supper ; inform- 
ing Mr. Douglas that they had unloaded the mules, slung 
them down the shaft with ropes, and left them, with soma 
fresh-cut grass in the back part of the caves. 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


:U4 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


T .9 Return of the Douglas Family across the Andes. Encounter 
with the Araucanian Indians, Loss of Property, and Strange Ad- 
mission to the Cave of Refuge. Restoration of Esperanza. New 
Prpils and Converts. The Harvest. The Pampero and its fearful 
^ults. 

After supper the old friends drew round the fire, and Mr. 
Douglas explained to them the cause of their re-appearance 
in the wilderness. 

“ Almagro would relate to you,” he began, “ our fat>3l 
journey and the disappointment of all our proposed plans in 
Chili. Our miners were dispersed, much of our valuable 
machinery was entirely lost, and the delay and misfortunes 
we had experienced discouraged our hopes, and sickened us 
of the undertaking. Henry sailed to England from Valpa- 
raiso immediately, promising to return to us within the year j 
and I made the most I could of the remainder of my mining 
utensils and machinery; but I had invested a great part of my 
property in these preparations ; I had advanced considerable 
sums to the miners who had disappeared, and had been robbed 
of a great deal by the rascally guides. 

“ 1 was now a poor man ; and my cheerful Margaret, ever 
ready to accommodate herself to circumstances, proposed that 
we should return to you, with some laborers ; cultivate the 
soil, and live contentedly on the produce of it. I did not 
see that we could do better ; for Henry and his child were 
all the relations we had left ; and we immediately set about 
sMling the useless, and buying the useful. 

“ Just at this time, two of my best Yorkshire mechanics, 
hearing that we had arrived at Santiago, returned honestly to 
us, to offer their services, or to restore their advanced wages. 
I knew them to be ingenious hard-working fellows, and used 
to agricultural labors, in the pastoral dales of their native 
home ; and finding that one had married a respectable woman 
of Chili, and that Joe wished to marry an English laundress 
in the establishment of the consul, I explained to them our 


THE MERTON FA>ULY. 


H6 

intentions and offered them service with us. They had no 
wish to return to England, were all quiet, sober, honest 
folks, so we concluded our bargain. 

“ About six weeks since Henry returned, all anxiety to sc f 
his babe, if it were living ; our preparations were complete, 
and with two experienced guides, and twenty mules, loaded 
with our whole fortune, we set out to cross the Cordilleras. 
You may conceive our journey was but melancholy from pain- 
ful associations j but our guides brought us without loss or 
hindrance across the snowy summit, and we saw below us the 
ocean-like Pampas. 

“On that day our spirits revived, we talked cheerfully of 
our future plans, and Margaret, for the first time, described 
to me all the pretty presents she was bringing for her young 
friends.” 

“ Which I desire you will not allude to, William,” inter- 
rupted his good lady. “ It is a painful and vexatious subject. 
There is not a jot for you, my dears ! If they had only left 
me the black trunks! Well! no matter; go on, my 
love.” 

“ As we turned the angle of a narrow pass,” continued Mr. 
Douglas, “ I was confounded to see a long line of mounted 
Indians approaching. They were warlike noble-looking fel- 
lows, with gay-colored ponchos and plumed caps, glittering 
dirks in their belts, and long lances trailing after them. Re- 
sistance seemed madness; but some effort must be made to 
save our property, and probably our lives. I rode forward, 
waving a white handkerchief, towards the leader ; and ad- 
dressed him in Spanish, feeling encouraged by seeing there 
were not more than a dozen men. I requested him politely 
to allow us to pass unmolested. He looked on me with aston- 
ishment, and replied in very good Spanish : ‘ The free hordes 
of Araucania allow no pale Christian to cross the mountains, 
to scatter desolation over the plains of freedom.’ 

“ ‘ The Araucanians are brave people,’ I said. ‘ I know 
their history ; but we are no plunderers or traitors, we 
are harmless travellers ; and if you refuse to let us pass peace- 
fully, we must force our way ; for we have women with us, 
whom Christian warriors are bound to protect.’ 

“ ‘ Your women shall be our slaves,’ he said, scornfully 


3tfc6 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OE 

‘ but* the bodies of you and your men shall be left to feed the 
vultures.’ 

“ This was no pleasant prospect ; I drew back under the 
protection of my white flag to conshlt my friends. We were 
well armed, and could soon have dispersed the men on open 
ground ) but besides my reluctance to shed blood, the attack 
would be difficult on a pass where not more than three could 
eafely ride abreast. 

‘‘ The guides were of opinion that a vigorous charge would 
enable us to pass in safety, and we planned and formed our 
procession. My brother, John and I rode first, followed by 
the women and four baggage-mules, driven forward by our 
two men, who also led six mules attached in pairs behind them. 
Lastly came the two guides conducting the ten remaining 
mules, which were the most heavily laden. 

“ As soon as we, the vanguard, were within a few yards of 
our foes, we lowered our rifles, pointing them at the horses of 
the Indians, and fired. In the smoke and confusion, we gal- 
loped forward so suddenly that they had not time to gain 
their lances before Jem and Joe came up, who fired their 
pieces in the same way, and by good fortune we all passed in 
safety till the two guides reached the foe, when either from 
fear, or from wantonness, they fired both barrels of their 
pieces upon the Indians, and two of the number fell. But in 
a moment the Araucanians revenged themselves. 

“ The unfortunate guides, pierced by many mortal wounds, 
were hurled over the precipice, into a dark and fathomless 
abyss. We stood for a moment in dismay, and saw the In- 
dians ride off with our ten valuable mules, carrying with them 
their wounded or dead friends. We thought of pursuing them, 
but our number was now diminished, the Indians were swift, 
and the females were so terrified, till we finally agreed to put 
up with our loss, and make the best of our way, lest we should 
be overtaken by a re-inforced party. 

« We had no longer any guide ; but for some time we fol- 
lowed the track of the Indians, till the fears of the women 
induced me to deviate, lest we should meet another party 
on the beaten road. I fancied we could not be lost while the 
Pampas lay visibly below us ; but these bewildering basins 
and ridges, rocks rising here and there, shutting out the way 
you have come, and the way you have to go, confounded all 


THE WfERTON FAMILY. 


347 


my plans. We got into a perfect maze of mountains, and 1 
thought we should wander there till our provision was ex- 
hausted, till at length having ascended a ridge, we looked 
into a gorge where a little stream was gurgling downwards. 
I fancied if we could reach this rivulet, and keep on its hanks, 
we must arrive at the plain ) and we scrambled down, at the 
risk of our lives, and to the great damage of our baggage. 
We rested and refreshed ourselves at the cool and pleasant 
stream ; we followed it for about fifty yards, when it suddenly 
disappeared beneath a wall of rock.” 

“ That was our river,” said Tom. “I know you would like 
the water ; it is excellent.” 

“ Doubtless it is, my dear lad,” continued Mr. Douglas ; 
“ but I had no patience with the river just then for its trea- 
chery in leading us into such a trap, for we actually van- 
dered two days in the valley, endeavoring in vain to escape 
from it ; for to ascend again the precipice we had come down 
would have been impossible with the laden mules. We were 
resting before the dark hole in the rock, which we concluded 
was some deep chasm, when one of the mules grazing near the 
opening, the earth suddenly gave way under it, and it disap- 
peared. 

“ I was sorely vexed to lose another muie, and Jem An- 
derson, who had worked in mines, looking down the shaft, de- 
clared that he could see the bottom ; and that if we would 
hand him a rope, he would go down and save the baggage. 
I was unwilling, till I convinced myself the descent was not 
dangerous ; then we saw him safely down, but the appear- 
ance of Matilda terrified him so much that he renounced the 
attempt 5 and we owe our present happy meeting to the 
bravery of Joe.” 

It was a happy meeting, and thanksgivings mingled with 
the prayers which the re-united friends offered up that 
night. 

Now we are all ready for work,” said Mrs. Douglas, 
next morning, when they arose from their breakfast 
table. “ How are we to get out of this vault to go to Espe- 
ranza ?” 

The stone was rolled away, and the strangers introduced 
to the little green valley with its rocky boundaries, which 
had afforded the family a winter’s refuge. 


348 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


If we had never known the beautiful shades of Esperan- 
za,” said Mr. Merton, “ I could have been content to finish 
my days here ; but Dr. Lewis advises we should dwell in 
bouses built by the hands of man.” 

“ The doctor shows his judgment,” replied Mrs. Douglas. 

V7ho ever heard of people living in a cave, that had the 
vs i of their hands ? Come along, good folks, and let us see 
how we can restore our old hall. I can work as well as any 
or 70U.” 

The horses were saddled, the stranger mules, brought 
tii;:ough the tortuous passages of the cave, were again re- 
stored to day ; and leaving Nanny with the two women to 
her in her increased household duties, the whole family 
set out, Tom now being able to ride. 

A pretty labyrinth!” cried Mrs. Douglas, as they wound 
down the wood. “ Would that our houses were ready for 
us ; but then, to think of my lost treasures, for when one does 
settle for life, one does like to have things comfortable. Oh ! 
my dears ! you have no conception of the pretty collection 
those grand looking brigands carried off. Henry preaches 
resignation, and William laughs and says we can do without 
the things ; and we must do without them here, for they can 
never be replaced. Just attend, my dears ! there was pretty 
nearly my whole wardrobe. To be sure, I can go in a 
blanket, like our savage neighbors ; but there were such nice 
silk dresses for mamma, such pretty muslins for you, girls, 
and gay prints for Nanny. Two large trunks, my dears — 
that’s my first irreparable loss. Then came Mr. Douglas’ 
mule load of hampers of wine and brandy for good Mr. Mer- 
ton, who needs something comfortable at his age.” 

“ I thank you, my considerate friend,” said Mr. Merton, 
« but the loss of the fermented liquors distresses me not. I 
love pure water, or the nourishing milk our cows so boun- 
teously afford us.” 

“ But I understand these things,” replied the lady, « and 
I say, a glass of good wine would not have been a bad thing 
for you ; but the robbers have swallowed it all before this 
time. Can we make our own wine, William ?” 

“ I see no difficulty, my dear,” answered he. “ I have 
brought the vine cuttings in safety, and the climate and 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


349 


situation promise us success 5 but we cannot expect to drink 
our own wine for some years.” 

« I envy you your patience, William,” said his restless 
lady ; I own my foible ; I do love to see the grass grow. 
Well, at all events, there will be employment in the vineyard. 
Now, let me consider what more the robbers took. There 
was a large crate of china and glass, and a case of mirrors ; 
for I knew you had no glass to show you how to smooth your 
pretty hair as it ought to be.” 

“ Mamma has a small glass,” said Matilda, “ that has es- 
caped all disasters ; and Charles, when we put on our holiday 
dresses, lends us one from his dressing-case. So never regret 
the mirrors.” 

“ You are good girls,” continued Mrs. Douglas, « and are 
quite right. It is wrong to lament the loss of such luxuries ; 
especially as we have saved a crate of window-glass for our 
buildings. But I must regret the books. Books to suit 
everybody; even new volumes of sermons for good Mr. Mer- 
ton, and new medical works for our excellent doctor ; and all 
the newspapers of the last year, with toys and trifles innu- 
merable. But now I will think no more of my losses, for 
here is the river ; and now for Esperanza.” 

As they crossed, with some risk, the swollen river, 
Mr. Douglas and Lewis consulted on the practicability of 
laying down a teujporary bridge to facilitate the necessary 
and incessant communication with their present residence, and 
they agreed that they must immediately do it. 

Mrs. Douglas wept over the ruins of her dear old hall, and 
then called on William to begin work ; and Mr. Douglas pro- 
po ed, that as the colony had increased so much they should 
inclose twenty acres ; but Lewis proved the impossibility of 
their completing such vast labors in one season ; and as every 
man would still have his acre to support him, it was decided 
that they should abide by the original plan. 

Then the mountains of bricks were surveyed, and the 
mortar of clay inspected by the practical workman Jem, who 
suggested the improvement of a mixture of the fine sand from 
the floor of their cave with the mortar ; finally, the whole 
party turned to the bridge. D. did not require much time to 
fell three tress, tall enough to span the river, even in its 
present overflowed state. These were soon stripped of their 


350 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OS’ 


branches, and laid across the stream a few inches apart from 
each other. A number of flat pieces of wood, collected from 
the ruins, were sawed the right length to be laid trans- 
versely and form a platform ; all to be completed next 
morning, as weariness drove the workmen home before 
evening. 

“ Now we are progressing,” said Mrs. Douglas, as they as- 
sembled in the cave. “ Let me see, how many houses shall 
we want ? The two Yorkshiremen must have their cottages j 
but as to John, it was in vain that his master requested him 
to select a wife, of any nation, when we were at Santiago. I 
assure you, Nanny, that he declared not one of them was fit 
to hold the candle to you. You are his choice.” 

“ That’s as I please,” said Nanny. “ I have plenty to do 
without looking after him, poor waffiin body ! Let him bide 
as he is ; he’ll get on. I’ll warrant him.” 

“ But, Nanny,” resumed Mrs. Douglas, “John is a good 
fellow, and I have set my mind on your being Mrs. Arm- 
strong.” 

“ Me, Mistress Armstrong !” cried the maiden. “ Nay ! 
Nanny I have been, and Nanny Imun to be to the end of my 
days.” 

In fact, Nanny was right, everybody had too much to en- 
gage them at this time to think about such trivial matters as 
marriages. The next day the bridge was completed by 
stretching a rope across, about four feet above the platform, 
to assist the timid ; and now even the females crossed fear- 
lessly, and no time was lost in fording the rapid and deep 
river. The brick wall was commenced ; Jem was a famous 
builder, and though Joe excelled more in cabinet-making and 
turning, he was willing to take any work. While the wall 
progressed, Tom, unable to bear hard labor, worked in the 
carpenter’s shop, and Mrs. Douglas, with the young ladies, 
laid out the garden. The vines had been planted in pots 
immediately on their arrival, upon a sunny slope facing the 
south and apart from the building. 

After the labor of many days had raised a wall four feet 
in height, the completion was deferred, and the untiring 
workmen began the houses. Three small huts near the en- 
trance, each surrounded by a garden, were soon built, and 
made habitable. One was for Jem Anderson and Isabella, 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


361 


the girl from Chili ; the second for Joe and Mary Rame ; 
and the third for Almagro and John. 

The rubbish was the^i entirely cleared from the unroofed 
house, where Mr. and Mrs. Douglas had formerly resided ; 
and the outer walls being firm and uninjured it was soon re- 
stored, and finished with boarded floors, with glass windows, 
and iron stoves brought from Chili; and so much pleased 
was Mrs. Douglas with her English-looking house, that but 
for the pain of separating from her friends, she would have 
taken immediate possession of it ; for she had an insupera- 
ble aversion to a cave, the gloom of which did not accord 
with her vivacious spirits. But she usually spent the day 
at Esperanza, arranging curtains and carpets, with small 
remnants of crockery saved from the spoilers, or planning 
the places for the tables and seats which were yet to be made. 

In the mean time the great house was rising. To save 
time, it was built on the old plan, with substantial mud 
walls, but brick chimneys were introduced, and much greater 
accommodation made than in the old hut. There were a 
number of little dormitories, to enable them even to lodge 
visitors, and each had its small glass pane to admit light. 
The hall was large, with good glass windows ; and a com- 
modious kitchen and large brick oven, built by the master 
hand of Jem, completed the family mansion. The floors were 
laid and the windows fitted in, and then the family began 
to think of leaving the cave. 

A day’s labor repaired the corral, to which the horses, 
mules and llamas were brought, and the cows each with a 
calf, were to come with the family. A strong door, plated 
with iron, and fastened by an iron chain secured the en- 
trance into the enclosure; and the female part of the com- 
nity now began to fit up the new habitation. 

They once more withdrew from the mountain cave the 
hidden hoards, which created much mirth as they were 
brought to light. The wheels of the wagons, iron pans and 
kettles, boxes of linen and clothes, garden-seeds, maize, 
beans, dried peaches, and honey. A light cart was soon made, 
and mounted on the wheels, and they were thus enabled to 
remove all their property from the cave of refuge with loss 
difficulty than it cost to transport it to that happy retreat 


352 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


Once more they slept in a light airy dwelling, and returned 
to the various occupations of a large household. Tom brought 
forward all the productions of his long confinement ; bed- 
frames of bamboo, chairs, work-tables, chicken-coops, and 
many useful articles, besides the incomparable bee-hive, which 
was to be tried in the summer. To complete their furniture, 
they had materials and good workmen, and from day to day 
something was produced 

But now the grass was ready for the scythe, and while Tom 
looked after the garden and trellised the vines, John and Al- 
magro, with some aid from the busy carpenters, brought within 
the inclosure hay to form two large stacks. The bean-field 
in the mean time was fragrant, and the flax brilliant in 
blossom ; the potatoes were abundant, and the crops of wheat, 
maize, and oats progressing. 

While the husbandmen pursued their labors, Jem and 
Joe erected the frame of the third house, on the same plan 
as the others with a colonnade along the front, the pillars of 
which were to be entwined by creeping plants, or by Mrs. 
Douglas’ imported roses, if they would condescend to flour- 
ish at Esperanza. 

The progress of this building was interrupted by many 
causes — hunting, bringing home cattle to supply the lost 
stock, laying-^ut the inclosure in gardens and shrubberies, 
and inclosing and sowing fields for meadow and pasture, corn 
or fiax. And thus busily and happily the summer passed 
away ; the evening being devoted to rational and impro- 
ving pursuits, and ever concluded by united and earnest 
prayer. 

Returning one evening from walking, they encountered a 
cavalcade, which, being led by their friend Pedro, created no 
alarm. Zara rode by his side, and the young Albert was 
also mounted on his own horse. Behind them rode four In- 
dians ; but, confiding in Pedro’s discretion, the gate was 
opened to admit them all. 

“ See, good father,” said Zara, displaying a pretty habe to 
IMr. Merton, “ I have brought to you another young claimant 
to be admitted into the church of Christ. You must baptize 
my boy, and these young people also wish to become Chris- 
tians, like their cacique.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


353 


Two young men, of intelligent countenances, and two 
females, came forward to Mr. Merton, with whom they could 
converse, as they knew a little Spanish. The softened man- 
ners of their cacique, and the gentle lessons of Zara, had in- 
duced the youths to desire to seek the good teacher who had 
changed the stern nature of their chief, and to hear from 
his mouth the wonderful truths of Christianity ; as the wo- 
men were to be their wives, Zara decided that they must 
also be Christians, and the girls readily consented to share 
the instruction of their intended husbands. 

The Indian men were lodged in the unfinished house, and 
the women, placed under the care of Isabella, who knew 
something of Indian habits, were astonished with the sight 
of the order, neatness, and industry that pervaded the kitch^en 
of the pale people ; and they ate with great relish the cooked 
meats and bread. 

“ I have been able to do little, my reverend friend,” 
said Pedro, ‘‘ since we parted, to prove that I am a son of 
God, and a ruler among men. I have said to my warriors 
that the great God has forbidden man to war with man, ex- 
cept to defend his property or life. They listen to my words, 
for I am their oracle ; they obey me, for I am their cacique ; 
but they thirst for action ; they say to each other, ‘ Did God 
make man to sit in the tents with the wome^ — to dry the 
skins and nurse the children V The old warriors scoff in 
their hearts at the peaceful doctrines of Christianity. I see 
in their eyes the fire of scorn. A message must come to them 
direct from the great Father of Heaven ; you are his minister ; 
come to my unbelieving people, and speak the words of Truth 
and Peace.” 

“ Permit me to undertake this mission, dear Mr. Merton,” 
said Henry Carruthers. “ Though not eloquent, I am zeal- 
ous. I am young and active, and besides the Spanish, I ac- 
quired from Paul some acquaintance with the Indian lan- 
guage, spoken by the tribes of the Pampas. I am a solitary 
being ; save this little treasure, I have no one to cling to me ; 
and should I fall a martyr in the holy cause, I can safely 
leave her to her foster parents ; she will feel no loss. My 
plan would be to turn the desire for action among the Indians 
to useful labors ; to induce them to build permanent and 
comfortable huts ; to enclose and cultivate the ground ; to fil 
23 


354 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


their corrals with cattle ; and to adopt the habits, as well as 
the arts, of civilized life. The early Christian missionaries 
on the eastern coast contended against greater difficulties and 
dangers, and, by God’s blessing, had happy success, till the 
hand of tyranny drove them from their field of labor. T have 
wasted much time ; let me now endeavor to fulfil some of the 
duties of life.” 

When Pedro understood that Mr. Carruthers was really a 
minister of the Church, he eagerly accepted him in the place 
of the aged and timid Mr. Merton ; and though grieved for 
the gap it would make in the family circle, all agreed that 
Mr. Carruthers ought to go. The visitors remained several 
days, in which time the Indians not only received religious 
instructfon, but were shown the means of being usefully and 
happily employed. They were astonished with the skill of 
Joe, who turned on his lathe boxes and wooden cups for them j 
they saw the fruits of the earth repaying bounteously the 
labor of cultivation, and were inflamed with the desire to ac- 
quire the useful knowledge of their hosts. The women, in 
the mean time, after assisting Nanny as mere hewers of wood 
and drawers of water, aspired to learn the higher culinary 
arts; and when the visit of the chief expired, his people 
begged to be left some time to acquire the wonderful arts of 
the Christians, that they might become teachers in their 
turn. 

Mr. Merton considering the Indians sufficiently instructed, 
they were baptized at the sauie time as the babe of Zara, who 
was named Christopher, after the great Columbus, who first 
opened a way into that new world to admit the light of Chris- 
tian truth. 

The parents were at length induced to leave Albert for a 
short time, to receive the rudiments of education ; and the 
child was delighted to remain at Esperanza to play with 
Cecilia, to watch the workmen, and to listen to the nursery 
stories of his young teachers. 

Before the autumn eame on, the third bouse was ready to 
be inhabited, new stables had been built, and barns for the 
promised harvest. The flax was cut, steeped, and made 
ready for combing ; then the abundant crops of maize were 
reaped and stored in the barns ; one plot of wheat was al- 
ready housed, and all the rest of the corn and beans was cut 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


355 


and left out to dry before tbe Indians departed. Then the 
two marriages were solemnized ; and the young people, with 
many presents, and much good advice, went to carry to their 
chief the tidings of his son’s health, and to communicate to 
the tribe the vast knowledge they had acquired at Espe- 
ranza. 

On the day that the Indians departed, all the peaches were 
gathered, with the intention of drying or preserving a large 
part ; and the family proposed the next day to conclude the 
glorious harvest ; but, on rising early for the task, they saw 
the sun rising behind lurid clouds, the atmosphere was 
gloomy and sultry, every one felt languid, and they remem- 
bered with sjnking hearts the thunder-storm of the preceding 
autumn, which had swept away so much of their precious 
harvest. Heavy clouds rolled over the half-hidden Cor- 
dilleras, occasionally irradiated by vivid lightning, and 
the air was darkened by myriads of insects, all appearing 
to fly or be driven by some imperceptible wind towards the 
east. 

The massy clouds grew darker and darker ; and then Lewis 
with a vigorous effort roused himself from the oppressive 
languor t hat had seized on him, and in treated the able hands 
to assist him in preparations to save their property from the 
inevitable storm of the season. Two large skin tent covers, 
which Mr. Douglas had used on the journey, were drawn over 
the stacks and fastened down with heavy stones. The cattle 
were all housed, and a good supply of food placed in their 
cribs. The young vines, which w'ere all potted, were placed 
in the shelter of the barn ; and, finally, Nanny would have 
called together and secured her feathered family ; but they 
had wandered off to the corn-fields, and it was too late to 
bring them back. 

Then the whole community, including Wallace, whom they 
could not bear to leave out in the storm, assembled in Mr. 
Merton’s large hall, determined to remain together till the 
storm passed. They looked anxiously from the windows ; 
the lightning grew brighter as the sky darkened, while hollow 
gusts of wind rolled down the mountains, heard before they 
were felt or the effects seen ; but soon they perceived more 
sensibly the rush of the hot gale, as it whirled from the forest 
above the lighter leaves and branches, and showered them on 


356 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


the ground. To this succeeded a furious blast, tearing away 
huge boughs and fragments of rock, and overwhelming the 
blooming garden with scattered wood and stones, to the great 
sorrow of the fair gardeners. 

A few minutes all was still ; then a noise was heard like 
the roaring of artillery from the mighty mountains. It was 
the Pampero I which, bursting from the mountain holds, 
swept forward with terrible and restless violence, mark- 
ing its course with destruction, till it should reach the 
Atlantic. 

The family crowded together, the weak clinging to the 
strong ; but, though pale and trembling, they were resigned ; 
for they knew that it was the hand of God that directed the 
whirlwind and ruled the storm. 

‘‘ I feel the walls totter and the earth shake,”/Said Maria, 
as gust after gust shook the house. “ Do you not think, good 
father, that the end of the world is at hand 

“ It may be so, my child,’’ said the venerable man. “ The 
inscrutable wisdom of God has hidden from us the hour ap- 
pointed for that dreadful event. But tremble not, my chil- 
dren ; put all your trust in him, and in the hour of death, and 
in the day of judgment, he will deliver you.” 

At that moment a noise, as if the mountains were torn 
from their foundation, was heard ; a shock, as if from an 
earthquake, was felt by all, and total darkness followed. 
They were buried living ! ! 

For a few moments the silence of death prevailed, then the 
screams of the children and the low sobs of the females were 
heard ; but no one spoke. Lewis first recovered from the 
shock ; he drew from his pocket a match-box with a taper, 
which he lighted, and then asked Nanny to produce some 
candles to relieve the fearful darkness. 

“ I’ll bring no candles, Mr. Doctor,” said Nanny, in a low 
voice. “ Folks want no candles in their graves. Let us say 
our prayers, and then lie quietly down till He sends his 
angels for us, for here we are buried till the day of doom.” 

“ But, my good Nanny,” answered Lewis, “ God has not 
commanded us to lie down and die supinely, while he grants 
us strength and understanding ; we will use the energy he 
has bestowed on us. Let me have the candles to see if all 
are uninjured, and what is the extent of the danger.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


35Y 


The candles were produced, and Almagro and Lewis raised 
the glass windows at the front of the house, and found that a 
wall of rock lay close against them, excluding light and air. 

gainst the end windows, and those of the kitchen which 
opened westward, lay earth and stones, intercepting every 
ray of light. The doors they did not attempt to open, lest 
they should bring destruction on themselves, for they 
could not but believe that some mighty fall of the mountain 
had buried them in a mound of earth and rocks. It was 
impossible to think of any mode of escape, nor was it pru- 
dent to make the attempt now, for still the roaring of the 
wind was heard, though the sound was muffled by the 
mass around them ; but the walls no longer shook, nor did 
the earth tremble beneath them, for they were now below 
the earth ; and Lewis shuddered to think that another fall 
might bring the walls, so astonishingly firm till now, upon 
their heads. 

“ Bead to us, good and holy friend,” said he to Mr. Mer- 
ton. “ Bead to us passages that may employ our thoughts 
on subjects beyond the perils in which it has pleased Almighty 
Grod to plunge us.” 

Amidst the dull howling of the unsubdued tempest the 
good man read the penitential psalms, the glorious prophe- 
cies, the passion, the death, and the resurrection of the 
Son of God ; and from that sepulchre of the living rose the 
incense of prayer, breathed in resignation to the will of 
God, and trust in his mercy ; and every heart responded as 
the reverend man concluded by the words, “ Lord, thy will 
be done !” 

They waited patiently for hours. The roaring of the wind 
sunk into hollow moans : a little longer and all was still : 
darkness and silence bro'oded over them. Again they exa- 
mined the windows, even attempting to raise one in the 
kitchen ; but the rush of earth through the opening showed 
the danger of the experiment. That the roof was covered was 
evident from the strain upon the rafters ; and it appeared 
marvellous that they had not given way. 

Lewis and Mrs. Douglas, both of sanguine and active 
minds, cheered the rest, and pointed out faint rays of hope. 
It was necessary to prop the sinking rafters, they looked 
round for the means, and, finding some large chests of linen, 


358 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


they piled them on end till they reached the rafters, and 
effectually supported the back of the roof. In the front part 
Lewis observed that the rafters were unwarped, and he 
concluded that the rock which lay before the windows was 
higher than the walls, and had protected that side of the 
roof. This afforded some little consolation ; and he now in- 
sisted that the family should take food and rest ; for though 
their situation was painful and perilous, he did not think it 
desperate. They reluctantly complied with his desire, took 
some refreshment, and sought a short repose from their 
terrible anxiety. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


350 


CHAPTER XXX. 


The Second Day beneath the Ground. The First Ray of Light. The 
Exploits of Jack and Maria. The First View of the Ruined Set- 
' tlement. The Escape from the Buried House. The Second Resto- 
ration of Esperanza. The Visit of Paul and his Bride. 

After some hours of feverish rest they again assembled. 
Night and day were alike 5 but they found from their watches 
that it was now midday, and twenty.four hours had elapsed 
since they were entombed. The props were examined, and 
all was found safe. Then an account of stores was taken. 
They had flour, tea, eggs, butter, and cold meat that would 
serve for a week, abundance of candles, which Nanny had re- 
cently made, and greatest blessing of all, a large butt of 
water which Nanny and her assistants had brought into the 
kitchen, on the morning of the storm, for the purpose of a 
great washing. 

One consideration distressed Lewis greatly. 3’he building 
was spacious ; but twenty people were now crowded in it. 
Ke fancied the air had already become close and pernicious ; 
what would it be in another day or two '? He ordered fires 
to be lighted in the kitchen and in the hall, to discover if 
the chimneys were open. There was not much fuel in the 
house ; but little was needed— they were too warm without 
fires. The experiment was first tried in the kitchen ; but it 
was soon obvious there was no vent for the smoke, which re- 
turned down the chimney. That of the hall was near the 
front wall of the house ; and Lewis watched for the effect of 
the fire with great anxiety. He saw the smoke hung round 
the grate ; but he was of opinion that part of it had escaped, 
and was convinced that some small aperture afforded a pas- 
sage for the air. As they watched the flame, Tom more than 
once remarked a slight hissing sound, and asked Nanny if the 
wood was wet. She assured him it was perfectly dry. 

« Then, I am certain,” said the observing youth, « that a 
drop of water must have come down the chimnr /. Let us 
atcertain it.” 


360 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


A bowl was placed beneath the chimney, and they stood 
round, watching aoxiou'^ly. In a few moments it was certain 
that a drop fell into the bowl ; drop after drop following in 
slow succession. 

See, maiiiina !” said Tom, “that drop of water is the 
olive-branch to our ark. We shall be saved!” And this 
augury of hope inspired them with spirits to move about, e«.t, 
and work, 

“ Leave the bowl there, Tom,” exclaimed Mrs. Douglas. 
“We must have the water, even if somewhat muddy, it will 
do for our ablutions, for none must be carelessly used from 
Nanny’s treasure-tub. And, by the bye, where are the 
peaches we gathered yesterday ? or the day before ? or . . 

. Bless me ! William ! I forget whether it is day or night; 
we shall have to keep a notched calendar, like Robinson Cru- 
soe. Now, the peaches, girls ?” 

The peaches had been forgotten in the storm, and over- 
looked in the darkness. Several large baskets full were 
hanging up ; they afforded a most agreeable and salutary re- 
freshment, and enabled them to pass another day of darkness 
more cheerfully. 

At an early hour of that part of the day which would be 
called morning in the world.. Jack awoke Lewis, saying ; “ I 
must tell you something that I would rather no one else should 
know. I am going up the chimney. T helped to build it, 
and we left here and there a brick protruding for steps, in 
case we had to become chimney-sweeps. Help me to seek 
tlie small horn lantern which Tom made.” 

Lewis hesitated for a moment ; but he satisfied himself with 
the reflection that Jack was light and active, and the best 
fitted of the party for an undertaking on which their sole 
hope rested. 

They found the lantern, proceeded quietly to the hall, and 
removed the bowl, which was now filled with water, into 
which several stones and portions of earth had fallen ; a 
gratifying sight, as they hoped this fall might have enlarged 
the opening. Lewis gave Jack a strict injunction not to ven- 
ture to remove any earth or stones from the top, which might 
endanger the whole roof, but to content himself with obser- 
vation. 

The agile boy slung the lantern round his neck, and spring- 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


861 


iRgxip the chiiniiey, left Lewis in a state of intense anxiety, 
for he reflected that not only the life of the boy, but the lives 
of all might fall a sacrifice to this undertaking j yet every mo- 
ment of inaction was a waste of life, energy, and resources, 
and he satisfied himself that he had only fulfilled a duty. Be 
listened with his head wnthin the chimney, and had speedily the 
pleasure of hearing the bold lad cry out ; “ Here I am, Lewis, 
safe at the top of the stair-case. I can see the dark, gray 
sky, and feel the rain pelting me, but the opening is a long 
slit, and my head is too big to go through it.” 

“ Come down, my good fellow,” cried Lewis. “ You have 
done enough for the first trip.” But Jack did not come 
down immediately, and a considerable fall of rubbish down 
the chimney was alarming; but in a few minutes he ap- 
peared, looking the better for a taste of fresh air. 

“ Did I frighten you, Lewis ?” asked he, ‘‘ I could not help 
making a little experiment. The top of the chimney is closed 
by a flat piece of rock, except a narrow opening. Now, I con- 
sidered that if I could make the opening a little wider, as it 
is raining in torrents, we might get a supply of water for wash- 
ing ourselves ; so I leaned my back against the side of the 
chimney, and with both hands tried to give the stone a good 
shove. And I really did move it about an inch and a half, 
and then tried my head again ; but it wouldn’t do ; and I be- 
gan to be afraid that if I did get it through, it perhaps 
wouldn’t come back ; and I had no wish to be gibbeted. 
But after all we shall get more air and water for my ex- 
pedition.” 

This was true, and by looking up the chimney they could 
even see the speck of light ; and the light, the water, and 
the air cheered them through the third day. But the coun- 
cil who discussed Jack’s attempt, decided that nothing more 
must be done till the rain ceased. Jack was not one of 
the council ; he arranged a plan with Maria, who joined him 
early next morning, aud held a light below, while he again 
ascended the chimney. 

I must try to move the great stone,” said he ; “ so X 
shall take the poker and this rope, which I shall let dowr 
if I want anything, and you must send it up.” 

“I could climb as well as you, if you think there 
for two,” said Maria. 


3G2 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


“ You are of more use below,” replied he, on the great prin- 
ciple of the divison of labor, as Philo.sopher 'I'oin would say. 
Now watch for my signals.” 

After a little time several stones, and a quantity of earth 
fell, which alarmed Maria ; but Jack’s a.ssurances tranquil- 
ized her. At length there was a long silence, and she de- 
termined to mount and discover the cause ; so throwing off her 
pretty calico dressing-gown, she arrayed herself in a dark 
poncho belonging to Nanny, and sprung lightly up the chim- 
ney, guided by a faint ray of light from above. She reached 
the top, and found Jack with his head through a small open- 
ing, and his body in the chimney, and it was only when she 
shook hands with him, that he discovered she was near him, 
and withdrew his head 

They could not help laughing at the grotesque appearance 
of each other ; then Maria begged also to have a peep into 
the world, “Come to this side Maria,” said Jack; “but 
there is little to give you pleasure. I cannot think how 
I could be so hard-hearted as to laugh after seeing what 
I have seen.” 

Maria’s small head passed easily through the aperture ; 
she was able to raise herself higher than J ack had done, and 
see the whole of the melancholy spectacle below. 

“Oh! Jack!” cried she, “Our pretty shrubbery at the 
end of the house is quite covered up ; and as far as I can see 
behind, there is nothing but stones, earth, and uprooted 
trees, covering all the slope up to the very woods ; and, my 
dear Jack, I certainly see the end of a cask among the earth 
over the back part of the roof.” 

Jack gave a sudden cry as Maria said this. “ I know it 
all!” cried he. “ The dear old cave that saved your life ; 
that protected all our treasures from the savages, and was 
our powder magazine, has been torn up. Only think ; if the 
lightning had struck the barrel, we must all have been 
blown up.” 

“ The ammunition is no great loss,” said Maria ; “ but 
Naiji.iy will lament the loss of her honey and salted butter, 
and T do grieve for the destruction of the cave. Now let us 
try to move the stone a little, which can be done with per- 
fect safety, for it rests on the fallen rock in front, and on th« 
great mound over the shrubbery at the end.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


'^63 


By exerting their united strength they moved the stone 
about two inches, which enabled them both to look round 
easily, but not to pass the whole body through. Then Maria 
sent Jack down for a wooden howl, which they passed out, 
and left on the stone, for the heavy rain still continued, and 
they should thus be enabled to obtain fresh water. 

“We can bring a tin cup and fill it when we choose from 
the bowl,” said Maria ; “ for the water below is quite unpal- 
atable, even when mixed with peach juice. And I have 
thought of something else. Jack. See, by removing the 
stone, we have uncovered a portion of the roof at the side 
of the chimney which has been protected, and is free from 
any covering of earth. Grive me your knife, I will reach 
down and cut the hide-covering, and we will try to get an 
air-hole.” 

The strong and active girl was able to cut away a large 
square of the hide, for the chimney was very low ; she then 
pulled away the maize-leaves beneath, and uncovered the 
spars which formed the roof. They washed their hands in 
the rain water, and then descended to see the effect of their 
experiment. 

To their great delight they beheld the rays of light stream- 
ing down ; and Jack, fetching a long ladder from the kitchen, 
mounted, and cleared away the remainder of the thatch, 
making a perfect skylight, about six inches square. They 
then placed a table underneath the aperture, and arranged the 
breakfast things by the light of heaven. Jack could contain 
no longer. “Now, Maria,” said he, “Let us give three 
cheers, and rouse the sleepers.” 

The cheers did effectually rouse the family, and in a very 
short time they all appeared, half dressed, in their anxiety to 
know what was the cause of rejoicing. 

“Look here !” cried Jack, in ecstasy, “see what we have 
done for you, idle sleepers !” 

“ And who are we ?” asked Lewis, in astonishment. 

“ Maria and I, to be sure, the two geniuses of the family,” 
replied he. “ What could you do without us 

“Bless the lad!” cried Nanny, “ he was always a g-^od 
scholar ! And to think that this poor thing,” stroking Maria’s 
glossy hair approvingly, should turn out so sharp, when we 
catched her running about, and living among trees, like a 


364 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


wild cat. But, honeys, we needn’t have our cups washed 
before we use them.” 

The rain was indeed falling into the cups, and precious as 
the water was, they preferred a. drier situation for the break- 
fast table, so a tub was placed to collect the water. As they 
breakfasted, the adventurers described the desolation they 
had beheld, the gardens and shrubberies buried in earth, and 
the mighty ruin behind the house. 

“ And the new huts were all unthatched,” continued 
Maria ; “ and our favorite beech-tree beside the gate is torn 
up, and lying across a haystack.” 

“ Thereby saving the hay, I hope,” said Tom. 

“ I believe the stacks are there,” she added, “ but covered 
with earth ; and dear Mrs. Douglas’ beautiful house is, like 
the rest, totally unroofed.” 

And this tremendous rain falling!” cried Mrs. Douglas, 
in great tribulation. “ All my pretty muslin curtains, 
my new carpets, and my polished stoves, will be entirely 
ruined.” 

“ And your caps and bonnets, too, Margaret,” said Mr. 
Douglas, laughing. Confess that you were thinking of 
them ; but I shall certainly not regret them, for your own 
pretty brown hair is much more ornamental than those strange 
combinations of frippery and artificial flowers that ladies 
choose to disfigure themselves with.” 

‘‘ Isabella can make straw bonnets very nicely, and has 
taught us,” said Mary. ‘‘We have our straw- work in some 
corner, and will begin a bonnet for you to-day.” 

“ I believe,” said Jack, “ that if Jem, who is very strong, 
was to mount the ladder, and help us by pushing through the 
skylight, and Maria and I were to push at the same time from 
the chimney, we might move the stone more ; the chimney, 
would not hold two bigger than we are, so you must let us 
try, and if we do succeed in removing the stone entirely, we 
might all escape through the chimney.” 

■'Impossible, my dear boy,” said Mrs. Merton; “your 
pi pa and I could never climb a chimney.” 

“ And consider what sort of climbing-boy Mr. Douglas 
would make,” said his lady: and none of the party could for- 
bear laughing, when they looked at the portly figure of Mr. 
Douglas, which could never have been forced up the chimney 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


365 


by any means ; and Jack’s scheme was unanimously nega- 
tived. “ Besides,” said Lewis, “ it is evident, that in the 
present rainy season, this dwelling, with all its inconvenience, 
is the only place that could shelter us. It appears secure, 
and we still have food, water, air, and some portion of light. 
Let us spend the day usefully, and defer further attempts till 
to morrow.” ^ 

Every one therefore turned to some useful employment ; 
and Jem, with some skill, enlarged the sky-light as far as it 
could be done with safety, so that the prisoners obtained 
a view of the dark, clouded sky. Thus the fourth day of 
captivity passed cheerfully, and on the fifth morning the sky 
was cl ar, and the rain had ceased. Maria was allowed to 
accompany Jack, and they once more ascended, Jem taking 
his station at the opening below to aid their exertions. They 
succeeded in enlarging the opening so far that Maria’s slim 
figure passed through, and mounted on the flat piece of rock, 
she surveyed the dreary prospect. Then walking to the end 
W'here the buried shrubbery lay, she descended by an inclined 
plane of rubbish to the desolated garden. 

She perceived that the front of the house was not barri- 
caded, as they su[iposed, by one huge rock, but by two 
separate fragments Mliich lay against the windows. Earth 
and stones hid the door, but sloped down to the garden ; up 
this slope Maria walked with a broken branch in her hand, 
and as the upper part of the debris was chiefly loose earth, 
she probed it with the stick, and felt the door through not 
more than a foot of earth. Overjoyed at this discovery, she 
flew back to her companion, who, not being able to pass 
through the opening as she had done, was looking round with 
a melancholy earnestness. “ Let us descend. Jack, I have a 
plan which I trust will release us,” said she. 

They descended, and Maria, addressing Lewis, said, “ Pray, 
dear Lr. Lewis, unbar and open the door.” 

« Not on any account,” ^said Mr. Merton ; “ the heavy 
rocks and earth, might then fall forward and crush us all.” 

« But hear me, good father,” replied she ; and she narrated 
her observations. 

Lewis and Mr. Douglas agreed that the experiment must 
be tried, and everything being first moved out of danger, and 
a force of strong men placed behind to prevent the door being 


366 


ADVENTURCB AND WANDEillNUS Of 


forced suddenly open, it was unbarred, and allowed to open 
gradually ; heaps of earth and stone falling inwards. At 
length being quite ajar, a light shone on them from above the 
wail of earth. 

“ Now, my good fellows, for the ladder and spades,” cried 
Lewis. The ladder was raised against the barrier, but only 
one spade could be found in the house. Jem took it first, 
and shovelled vigorously, throwing the earth outwards as far 
as he could. After a little had been removed, it was easier 
to work ; and they labored alternately, hurling away the large 
stones, and shovelling the earth, till the opening was suffi- 
ciently large to be passed. Then Almagro and John made their 
way through the rubbish to the carpenter’s shop, and extracted 
three more spades from under the ruins. The work then went 
on briskly, and throwing the earth to the sides, before night 
a free passage was made, and the hall cleared from all the 
rubbish. 

The long secluded family, anxious to taste the pleasant 
evening air, passed in single file through the narrow passage ; 
and Jack, who was perched on the ruins above, cried out, 
laughing, “ It is exactly the descent from the ark ; and see, 
Wallace and the two pet hens finish the procession. You 
must make a sketch of the scene, Mary.” 

“It has indeed been an ark of refuge to us, my son,” said 
Mr. Merton, “ for we must inevitably have perished in any 
other of these ruined houses. We ought to thank God for 
our deliverance, and I cannot have a ludicrous picture made 
of this merciful dispensation.” 

A loud crowing announced that some of the animals were 
still living, and Nanny saw, with pleasure, one of her old fa- 
vorites, issue from a hut to greet his acquaintances. Strug- 
gling through the ruins they made their way to the stables; 
many of the trees which fenced the corral had entirely disap- 
peared, the roofs of the sheds were carrid away, and of one 
cow-house the wall had fallen inward, and killed a calf; the 
rest of the animals were living but miserably thin for want or 
food, tne supply given not being sufficient for more than two 
days. The haystacks were overthrown, but still safe, under 
the well-secured covers ; and some hay was immediately cut 
lor tlie exhausted animals. 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


367 


The roof of the church was partially injured, but the walla 
remained firm ; all else was desolate, there was literally no 
resting place for the sole of their feet, and after milking the 
cows, they were glad to shelter themselves again in their ark, 
which was no longer regarded as a prison. 

Ncit morning they visited the barn, the roof of which was 
on its way to the Atlantic ; but the walls had fortunately 
fallen inwards, and thus kept down the greatest part of the 
precious store, though some of the upper sheaves had been 
carried away. In the fields, where the corn had been left 
standing, not a vestige was to be seen ; the stubble was left 
as clean as if it had been raked. And the destruction of 
trees, amongst which were several valuable peach-trees, 
was immense. They returned melancholy, for it was difficult 
to decide on the first steps to be taken. 

‘‘ I say, let us have a drop of good water for breakfast, if 
it can be had,’’ said Nanny ; and thus the first step was de- 
cided. The well had been fortunately provided with a wood- 
en cover, and the earth was soon cleared from over it. The 
sight of the pure water, and the enjoyment of a breakfast of 
tea and fresh milk, restored them to cheerfulness and action, 
and after breakfast, Mrs. Douglas declared it would be better 
to get the shock over, so they would go and inspect her un- 
fortunate mansion. It certainly presented a scene of desola- 
tion. Part of the front wall had fallen into the rooms, and 
the destruction of glass windows, curtains, and cushions, was, 
as Mrs. Douglas anticipated, tremendous. The carpets were 
covered with mud and moistened leaves, the heavy furniture 
turned topsyturvey, and a large table lay on what had been 
a bandbox, but was now but a flattened board. Mr. Doi%las 
looked at his lady with affected dismay, which caused a hearty 
laugh, notwithstanding the vexations of the scene. 

Fortunately a small room which Mr. Douglas called his 
study, had escaped the general ruin, and the globes, tele- 
scopes, writing and drawing materials, and scientific apparatus, 
were preserved and speedily removed to the more certain pro- 
tection of the buried house. 

Now where will you begin work asked Mrs. Douglas. 

I would say, put the small huts immediately into repair, 
for we are too many for this gloomy abode. It is really sin- 
gular that with great antipathy to a dungeon, I should be 


368 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

again compelled to reside in a cave. But, my good men 
could you not obtain us a little light? How did the early 
people of the world rear those buildings of massy stonos, 
some of which are standing to this day. You men of science 
understand the means of levers and such mechanical aids ; I 
leave it to you ; but do remove these frightful rocks.” 

“ It is disgraceful to us, Margaret,” said her husband, 
“ that you have to remind us of this duty ; come, J em, you 
must be leader ; here is a strong force to assist you.” 

Jem examined and measured the pieces of rock, then from 
one of the fallen trees wooden levers were soon made. One 
of the rocks was not very broad at the base, and the work- 
men were able, without much difficulty, to remove it from 
before the window. The rock on the other side of the door 
was much larger, and it was agreed that they should not at- 
tempt the removal of it. They had now light into two rooms ; 
and as it would be impossible ever to uncover the house, they 
proposed, at a convenient season, to build another in the front 
of it. 

In a week, by a prudent division of labor, wonders were 
accomplished. Three huts were rendered habitable, and the 
barn put into repair. The ladies, assisted by Tom, cleared 
the gardens, and restored them to some degree of order and 
neatness. The vines which had escaped destruction, but pined 
in their dark abode, now restored to the genial sunshine, 
raised their heads. Lewis doubted the success of a vineyard 
in a climate so subject to autumnal storms ; but they perse- 
vered in the experiment, which afforded at all events, em- 
ployment and amusement. 

Effectual props were raised to support the roof of the sub- 
terranean dwelling, which the two families continued to in- 
habit till the Douglas mansion rose from the ruins, in outward 
appearance as neat as before, though certainly somewhat dam- 
aged in the internal arrangements. But brushes and water 
produced renovation in some cases, the broken furniture was 
mended, and the shattered glass replaced, as the crate was not 
yet emptied. After this, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas took pos- 
session once more of their own dwelling, with John and the 
two children, who were glad to escape from the “dark 
house.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


36 ? 


Before any more labors were undertaken, Mr. Carruthers 
returned, accompanied by Pedro and Zara, with two more 
young Indian boys, to learn the truths of Christianity. Mr. 
Carruthers was satisfied with his visit : he had now the re- 
spect of the Indians, and had been able, among the young, 
to sow the seeds of the true faith. He had assisted the peo- 
ple to improve their huts, induced them to cook their food, 
to till some plots of ground, and to sow them with maize 
which he had given them. He was called the good father by 
the tribe ; and Pedro and Zara declared that there was a 
perceptible improvement in the manners of the people. 

They were prepared to see some mischief at Esperanza, 
but had not surmised the extent of the destruction. The 
Pampero had extended so far south as to sweep over and 
scatter their huts ; but these were more readily restored than 
the dwellings of their friends ) and Mr. Carruthers shuddered 
over the recital of the danger he had not witnessed. The 
cacique and his wife were delighted with the improvement 
their child had made ; he had already learned to read, and 
could speak English and Spanish fluently. He was glad to 
see his parents, but declined returning with them, unless 
“ Cissy ” would go ; and Pedro was willing the child should 
remain, to fit him to rule a Christian tribe. 

After their visitors departed, as the autumn was passing 
away, the workmen hastened to complete the buildings, and 
lay in stores for winter. The stones and earth scattered over 
the enclosure formed the foundation of a terrace, six feet 
broad, close to the wall, which it was proposed should, some 
time, be carried completely round. From the mass that lay 
above the house they succeeded in extracting, happily without 
accident or injury, the large barrel of gunpowder which had 
been in the cave that had been swept away in the vast slip 
of the mountain. They dug a deep hole in the earth for a 
powder magazine, carefully covered for fear of accidents, and 
then turned to the consideration of building once more a 
family mansion. 

But, my friends,” said Mr. Merton, “ I confess to much 
fearfulness of nature ; I tremble to dwell in another abode 
beneath these towering mountains. May not another stor 
produce similar consequences ? and it would be presumpti(n 
to expect that we should again be saved.” 

24 


3tO ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

Mr. Merton was assured that an expedition had been made 
the previous day, to examine the rocks behind the house, a.-d 
it was unanimously agreed that no danger now existed, those 
rocks which contained Maria’s cave being the only parts of 
the mountains impending over the enclosure — now an inclined 
plane spread for a quarter of a mile behind them, which was 
bounded by rocks rising like a perpendicular wall. 

“ Still we have lost the useful cave,” said Matilda ; “ and 
should we ever again be reduced to peril and flight, we shall 
miss our store house j and therefore I have thought of 
a plan ; — but I will not speak till J ack promises not to 
laugh.” 

J ack did promise to be grave, and she then continued : “ I 
think we might rest the back of the new house against these 
caverns, for such they now are, securing for ourse’ves a secret 
entrance to them, and a means of escape from them.” 

It is a hint worth consideration,” said Mr. Douglas, 

though I see some difficulties, principally in the contrivance 
necessary to escape from the retreat.” 

“ And one grand objection to the plan,” said Lewis, is, 
that we should lose the advantages of light and air from the 
back of the house.” 

“ But why not make the house face the south,” said Tom, 
“ and place the end against the ruins ; we can then have light 
and ventilation as we wish ?” 

Tom’s plan was adopted. The family removed the next 
day into the third house which had been built and called Dr. 
Lewis’ house, and the mansion was begun and finished in a 
short time. A small back room contained the communication 
with the cave, which was in fact the door of the old house, 
with a strong iron bar added to secure it inside. The room 
was tapestried with furs, nailed firmly down, except at the 
door, where it was loose to allow them to enter, and could 
then be fastened down from behind. The contrivance 
was perfect ) but it was earnestly hoped it might never bo 
needed. 

In the interior of the cave they removed the front of the 
chimney, enlarged the opening on the roof till even Mr. 
Douglas could conveniently pass through it, and placed a 
ladder as an ascent. From the roof there was no difficulty 
in walking up the slope to the woods beyond. A large stono 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 371 

covered the opening, and rapidly-spreading creeping plants 
were planted over the buried house, which would in a few 
months cover all the debris, and no one could believe that the 
mass which spread from the mountains contained a spacious 
dwelling. 

All useful stores were placed in the subterranean retreat, 
to which the ammunition was now removed, as no place could 
be more secure ; and Mr. and Mrs. Merton slept peacefully, 
for they had a refuge in case of need. 

Provisions were speedily accumulated for winter ; but be- 
fore the snow, Paul arrived, accompanied by a young Indian 
girl, who, he told Mr. Merton, wished to become a Christian, 
and to whom he wished to be united. Paul had requested 
his intended bride to be composed and silent, as became her 
dignity; but his charge was forgotten when she was intro- 
duced to the wonders of Esperanza. She uttered loud ex- 
clamations in a dialect of mingled Indian and Spanish, and 
touched the bright hair and neat dresses of the young Euro- 
peans with admiration. But Paul assured Mr. Merton that, 
though Ara acted like a child, she thought profoundly, and 
believed in the true God. 

“ Ara is the descendant of a race of warriors from the 
north,” said Paul, “ who have their tents at the foot of the 
mountains. Before she had reached her eighth year the 
warriors of her tribe met, and attacked us on our own hunt- 
ing grounds. My people fought bravely, and the cacique of 
the north and his wife were slain with many of his warriors; 
the rest fled, leaving the child of their chief weeping over 
the bodies of her parents. I was then a boy, and tender- 
hearted. I oould not bear to see my people spear the weep- 
ing child ; I took her upon my horse, and gave her to my 
mother, to whom she became a daughter. Yet I did not love 
the girl whom I had saved ; sho was proud and scornful ; she 
spoke to me, a cacique, boldly, saying, ‘ The Indians of the 
south are like the puma and the jaguar ; they hunt men ; they 
lo’^e blood ; they drink blood ; they bathe themselves in blood. 
The noble warriors of the north hunt for gold ; with gold 
they buy cattle to fill the corrals, and bright robes to clothe 
their maidens and wives. They eat meat, roasted by the fire, 
from dishes of silver, and drink the chica or the fire-water 
from cups of gold. Their huts are dwellings for men, 


372 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 


but the toldos of the Pampas Indians are the dens cf 
beasts.’ 

“ My heart swelled, for I knew the girl spoke the words 
of truth ; but still 1 loved her not. Then God cast m*? 
among new people, who taught me to love and worship him ' 
I returned to my tribe to tell them I had become a changed 
man. When our good father came to deliver to my ignorant 
people the message of God, the young captive listened in 
silence to words of wisdom ; she thought on them long, then 
she came to me and said, ‘ Death comes to all the world, and 
one day the cacique, who loves her not, may choose to wash 
bis hair in the blood of Ara. But Ara wishes not to pass 
after death to the hunting-fields of her own people ; sh? 
would learn the way to that beautiful world where the cacique 
himself will come — the heaven of the Christians.’ 

I spoke to the brave girl the words that had given me 
knowledge, and she wept over the love and sufierings of the 
Son of God. She prayed me to bring her to you, that she 
might learn to be a Christian, and to be patient and humble, 
although she was a captive and unloved. I said that Paul 
the Christian had no captives ; she was free ; my warriors 
should convey her in safety to the tents of her own people. 

“ Still the girl wept more ; she told me she would die with 
my people, if I would permit her, and hide herself from my 
eyes, if I loved not to look on her. Then I said I did love 
to look on her, and that if she became a Christian she should 
abide in my tent, and be my only wife ; and now T come to 
you, good father, to ask, is it good that I should take my 
captive foe to be my wife P’ 

“ You will act like a Christian to do so,” answered Mr. 
Merton. « If the young girl understands and believes the 
doctrines of Christianity, she shall be admitted into the 
Church, and I will unite you, trusting you may become the 
instruments of spreading around you the true religion.” 

The Indian stranger was a graceful girl, her glossy hair, 
bound round her head, was adorned with flowers and silver 
ornaments, and her throat and arms were decorated with 
bands of emerald and topaz. The girl had not forgotten 
among her wild captors the less barbarous habits of her own 
people; her poncho was arranged with a grace unknown 
among the Pampas Indians, and her whole appearance was 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


SI, 

dignified. Her mind was lively and intelligent, and sht 
readily comprehended, and was deeply affected by the beau- 
ties of religion. 

Since they had last seen him, Paul had visited Buenos 
Ayres with some of his tribe, to dispose of a large collection 
of skins. His manners, dress, and facility in speaking the 
Spanish language had been the means of introducing him to 
the more honorable class of merchants, from whom he had 
obtained in exchange such iron utensils, china, and glasses 
as he had seen among his friends at Esperanza. He had also 
obtained for his fair sisters, as he called them, a guitar, to 
replace those destroyed ; and this kind consideration deeply 
affected the family. 

After a few days’ instruction in household duties as well 
as religious doctrines, the marriage was solemnised, a great 
feast prepared, and afterwards John’s fiddle was produced, 
and the great hall for the first time became a ball-voom, even 
Mrs. Merton forgetting all her languor, and dancing merrilj' 
with the Indians and her children ; and daily the reclv«io^. 
savages became more and more charmed with the lifft ^ 
civilization. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

Paul’s Proposal for a Second Settlement. John’s Love Affair. 
Tom’s Projects and Departure. The Village of Amistad. Th« 
Return of Mr. Carruthers. The Fifth Anniversary and its Plans. 
The Conclusion. 

Before the Indians left Esperanza, Paul requested his 
beloved friends to listen to his wishes. “ My tribe is small,” 
said he, “ and my people are gradually becoming weaned from 
their love of slaughter. They would still be hunters, and 
they see that the fair'men who cultivate the ground and eat 
the fruits of it in peace, are not less brave in battle nor less 
bold in the hunting-field than themselves. They say ‘ W hy 
should we not eat corn bread, and rich butter from the cows ? 
The whole Pampas are ours , let us choose a fertile spot. 


74 ADVENTUEES AND WANDERINGS Of 

where our cattle can find grass, and there raise our tents for 
many seasons. Let us dwell near the Christians ; they will 
not destroy our tents j and we will swear, by the great and 
»ood God of the Christians, never to burn their dwellings, 
nor rob their corrals, but to be their friends — the same peo- 
ple.’ I heard them speak with joy ; yet 1 fear my Christian 
brothers will say, ‘ the Indian is treacherous and bloodyj let 
him dwell far from us.’ Give me words, good father, to speak 
to my people.” 

Paul concluded, and there was a momentary silence. 
Every one wished to speak ; but the duty and responsibility 
of answering devolved on Mr. Merton. The good man lifted 
up his hands, and said, “ blessed be God, who may yet per- 
mit me to plant a church in the wilderness I and blessed be 
your example, my son, that has won the stubborn heart of 
the heathens. Come near to us ; it is the command of God, 
and must be pleasant to us.” 

All the family seconded the opinion of their father, and a 
grand discussion ensued about the locality, the huts, the gar- 
dens ; but all decisions were deferred for the present ; and 
Paul returned to his people with the invitation to become 
neighbors to the Christians, accompanied by his bride the 
new Christian, Anna, loaded with pretty gifts by her young 
friends. 

The happy party at Esperanza^spent the winter cheerfully 
in useful employment and improving studies. Tom, since his 
adventure with the peccaries, had lost much of his taste for 
hunting ; he desired, like his father, to become a minister of 
the Gospel, and was how engaged in study to fit him for the 
ofice. The rain, sleet, and frost, came as usual ; but with 
abundant provision, and warm, comfortable dwellings, evesy 
on- was contented with his in-door life, and evenings of music 
and dancing delighted the young Indian pupils. 

“Mistress, said John to Mr. Douglas one morning, as he 
was setting out her bieakfast-table, “ I’ve gotten something 
ca my mind.” 

“ Then out with it, John,” said his mistress, “ or you will 
let my cups fall ; and you must remember we have no china- 
shops at Esperanza. Now, what’s the matter ? Have the 
mules ate my linen from the hedge ? or have you let the 
nreakfast-cakes get scorched ? Speak out man ; you look w 
if you were going to be hanged.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


sr* 

“ And you will please, Master Tom,” said Nanny, to giv- 
a look after old Peggy Green, my aunt, if she be spare-t 
yet ; and you may say 1 ha’ no thoughts just now of coming 
over to Winston, for it is an awful way to it ; and Pse can- 
nily off here. And you can just say, honey, that I’ve picked 
up a good man here, far away as it is. And ye needn’t say 
ought but what’s good on him, poor body, for the man’s n-K 
that ill, if he’d stir himsel’ a bit more.” 

“ He’s an excellent fellow,” replied Tom, “ and a good 
friend of mine; and depend on it, Nanny, I shall tell all 
the folks at the village what a sensible husband you have got, 
and wbat a good wife you make.” 

“Least said about that is best,” said she “for you know. 
Master Tom, k’s not in t’ natur of me to hold my tongue 
when folks aggravate me ; and may be I say some hard words 
to him, nows and thens, but he never minds — not he.” 

It was a sorrowful morning, though the sun rose on a pros, 
pect as fair and rich as the eye could desire, when Tom part- 
ed with hie weeping friends, to pursue his way over the wide 
Pampas. He wus accompanied by Mr. Carruthers, Almagro 
Paul, and six Indians, all well mounted and well armed, car- 
rying a tent to shelter the Europeans from the night air ; the 
Indians at this season, desiring no roof but the canopy of 
heaven, merely made a fire to keep the puma and jaguar at a 
distance, and lying down covered with their ponchos, to en- 
joy iheir sound and healthy slumber. 

The work of attending to the rising buildings at Amistad, 
was salutary to the party left at home. At first the Indians 
had been quite unable to labor more than an hour or two 
without great fatigue ; but they became gradually more ac- 
customed to the muscular action, and more attached to 
the labor which produced such pleasing results. In the 
mean time the women were instructed in household matters 
by Matilda ; Maria, remembering how she had herself been 
taiif^ht, chose to teach the elder girls, and Mary, seated on 
the turf, with a swarm of little Inians round her, undertook 
the difficult task of communicating to them the rudiments of 
religion, morality, and civilized manners. After a little pre- 
liminary discipline, she hoped to teach them to speak and 
read Spanish, which as most generally useful, it was proposed 
should be the common language of the two settlements. 


-{'IS .ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 

And Nanny, notwithstanding her chuntering^ as John said, 
made him a good wife, and he declared that he had never 
been so happy in his life, for he had no care but to do as 
Nanny bid him ; and in the evening, as she really enjoyed 
music, he was permitted to sit down and play on the fiddle, 
often calming some little ebullition of Nanny’s temper by 
playing one of her favorite tunes. 

As soon as the frosts of winter dispersed, a site was sought 
for the Indian settlement. Dr. Lewis directing the attention 
of his friends to a beautiful spot he had noticed on his expe- 
dition in search of Jack. It was about eight miles from Es- 
peranza, on the banks of the large river, abounding in rich 
grass and noble trees, forming a park-like scene. The whole 
party were charmed with the situation, which was not near 
enough to Esperanza for the Indians to become troublesome, 
and yet within an hour’s ride, so that it would not be diffi- 
cult for the young ladies to accomplish a plan they anxiously 
</9sired, of forming schools for young children, and devoting 
some time every day in teaching them. 

A sufficient space was marked out to allow twenty huts to 
be built in a circle, — the number of the families of the tribe. 
Each hut was to be surrounded by a garden, behind which 
was to be a plot of ground for corn. The house for the chief 
was to occupy a larger space than any of the rest, and oppo- 
site to it a vacancy was left for a chapel, when they had time 
to raise it. The area in the midst, which included some beau- 
tiful trees, was to be appropriated for athletic sports, and the 
amusements of the women and children, and it was pro- 
posed to surround the whole with a moat, and wall of 
earth. 

Paul arrived soon after with his whole tribe, who raised 
their tents near the chosen spot, that they might convenient- 
ly commence operations. The cacique was charmed with the 
locality, and was easily made to comprehend the plans his 
friends had drawn. 

“ I will go with many skins to Buenos Ayres,” said he, 

and obtain from the noble merchants there, in exchange for 
them, the cups and dishes of China, the silver forks and spoons 
from Peru, and the iron cooking utensils from Europe. Then 
my tolderia shall also be Esperanza.” 

But Paul was told he must select some other name for his 
settlement, to distinguish it from European dwellings. He 


THE MEKTON FAMILY. 


sr 

rather mortified that his tolderia could not beEsperanz. 
hut tinally decided that it should be named Amistad. He 
and Alina remained at Esperanza till the buildings were erect- 
ed, improving in the society of their European friends, while 
doe and Jem superintended the work, and taught and assist- 
ed the unpracticed workmen at Amistad. 

“ And now, dear papa and mamma,” said Tom, since 
you are surrounded by so many friends, I will venture to pe- 
tition that you will allow me to quit you for a season ; p^ou 
know I am the least useful of the community now. I delight 
in theories, but I want energy to draw practical results from 
them 5 yet I am not satified — I wish to do some good in the 
world. I wish to study divinity that I may fulfil a duty ; 
my scientific pursuits can still be my recreation 5 and I might 
thus, among the untutored Indian, be able to turn my studies 
to the good purpose of advancing religion, and civilization. 
We are no longer entirely cut off from the world, for our 
good friend Paul undertakes to conduct me, certainly by a 
long and dreary journey, to Buenos Ayres. From thence, if 
you will permit me, I will sail for England, receive sucb in- 
structions as our means will allow, enter the Church, if I am 
thought worthy, and return to help you, dear father, in your 
missionary labors.” 

It was with pain that Mr. and Mrs. Merton agreed to part 
with one of their children — the thoughtful, good, obedient 
son, who had always been so much the companion of his fa- 
ther ; but Mr. Carruthers represented to them the duty of 
consenting to God’s will in this important matter, and even 
offered to accompany him to England, place him in one of the 
universities, and after transacting some affairs of his own, re- 
turn to Esperanza to settle permanently. 

You must consent, dear mamma,” said Jack ; ‘‘ see what 
treasures you will still have left. I declare myself a citizen 
of Esperanza for life, and Charles Villars intends to follow 
my worthy example — no despicable members of the commu- 
nity. Then here is your fourth son. Dr. Lewis, an excellent 
fellow, determined never to leave home- If you had remained 
in Westmoreland, the girls might have married men that 
lived hundreds of miles from us, and you would have lost 
them ; but here their husbands must come, and we shall all 
dwell together like the patriarchs of old.” 


378 


ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OF 


Mrs. Merton smiled at Jack’s arguments, and when she 
reflected that her children might have been scattered in distant 
lands, instead of being gathered round her in health, plenty, 
and peace, she felt ashamed that she should regret parting 
with one, to fit him for the service of God. 

Charles declared that Tom must be entered at Cambridge, 
at kis college, which was a college of gentlemen, and clever 
fellows too, as might be seen by the specimen before them, 
and as to the money . 

“ Have we not some money, my dear inquired Mr. Mer- 
ton of his wife, for the matter had been forgotten on a spot 
where money was useless. 

It was then recollected that the Mertons had money suffi- 
cient for all expenses in Tom’s college life. There was Mrs. 
Merton’s little fortune in the funds, with the accumulated di- 
vidends ; and Mr. Merton’s rents since they left England. In 
the mean time Mr. Carruthers would pay the expenses of the 
voyage, and Charles said : 

“ Remember, Tom, above all things to go directly to my 
tailor in Bond-street, and let him fit you out at once. You 
would never recover your credit at Cambridge, if you were 
to appear in a coat made by Nanny, and a poncho woven by 
the girls. And tell him to send me a new hunting fit-out 
next spring by Carruthers. I want no full-dress matters. I 
have a coat that I suppose I must wear when I am married, 
and then put it by till my eldest son comes of age. But still 
1 shall give you a list of things that one does want even 
here, and tell the people to draw, as usual, on my banker at 
Valparaiso, for the whole account.” 

Even Mr. Merton did not object to this arrangement, as he 
could not but perceive that the eostume of Tom must under- 
go a reformation before he could appear in the polished so- 
ciety of England, and these minor matters arranged, many 
charges and counsels were given by the good parents. 
Then he was enjoined to visit Winston, and see all their 
old friends. 

You must see Dick Evans,” said Jack ; “ I suppose he 

will be drudging on at E, school. You can tell him 

what an old fellow I have grown, spending my days in hunt- 
ing and shooting; knocking down a lion or jaguar now and 
then *, keeping half a dozen horses for toy own riding, and 
thinking of building myself a mansion, and marrying a wife.” 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


SI 

“ Not so bad as that, mistress,” answered he ; “ but, you 
see, it’s Nanny. Oh ! she is an uncommon woman — far be- 
yond me !” 

“ That is the truth, John,” said Mrs. Douglas, “for you 
are not an uncommon man, though you are a very good 
fellow, if one could get you to speak out. Here’s your mas- 
ter — speak to him.” 

“Nay, mistress,” said John, “it’s you that must talk to 
her, if you will ; and just incenae her that it would be a good 
thing, so far as we both are fra’ our nat’ral homes, that we 
should just come together and be mairied.” 

“ A good thing !” said Mrs. Douglas ; “ why, you simple 
fellow, you know Nanny has a temper, and a quiet fellow 
like you would take ill to a termagant.” 

“ Why, that’s true, mistress,” replied he ; “ she has her 
tiffs, poor body; but, bless you, its over in no time. She flief 
off like a skyrocket, and splutters and roars, and there’s no 
more on’t. T’se used to her, mistress, and T just s>»? 
quietly till she comes right, and then it’s always, ‘ John, my 
man, wilt’ have a bit of supper I” 

Mr. Douglas laughed at John’s boldness, but promised to 
use his influence with Nanny, and suggested that John should 
set about building a hut. 

“ It would be as much as my life was worth to name that 
to her,” said the obedient lover. “ Nay, we mun never set 
ourselves up to be householders. There’s not a man living 
could wile away Nanny fra’ her own folks. I can come here 
and tantle after mistress as usual, when she wants me, and 
then back to help Nanny a bit.” 

“With all my heart, John,” said his master; “but how 
does Nanny receive your suit?” 

“ Why, she just tells me to hold my tongue, and go about 
my business, like an idle good-to-nought, as I is ; but there’s 
nought in that, sir,” answered John. “And I’se be bound, 
if you would just give me a good character, she would come 
round.” 

So the master and mistress agreed to give John a good 
character ; and though Nanny grumbled loudly and long at 
the hardship of having such a feckless fellow to look after, 
when her hands were filled with work, she relented at the in- 
tercession of the bairns, and the w^edding took place with all 
proper solemnity and festivity. 


j 80 adventures and wanderings of 

And thus busily employed, some weeks passed, and they 
had the pleasure of seeing Lewis and Paul return, bringing 
the good tidings of the welfare of the travellers, who had 
engaged a passage in an English vessel, and were enjoying 
the hospitality of Buenos Ayres when their friends left them. 
Besides satisfactory letters from Tom, Mr. Carruthers had 
kindly sent useful presents, — tea and sugar, the luxuries of 
the community, books for Mr. Merton, and silks and muslins 
for the ladies. 

Paul’s mules had exchanged their loads of furs for useful 
iron implements for agricultural and mechanical purposes, 
with seeds and fruit-trees for the new settlement, which, to 
the great delight of the cacique, now presented a most in- 
teresting appearance ; the houses were roofed, the workmen 
being now employed in fitting them up internally, with bam- 
boo frames for bedsteads and tables, and benches for ©eats. 
Then the ingenious turners made a number of neat wooden 
platters, the Indians themselves forming eups ef horn, and 
baskets of beech-bark. Many of the young men of the tribe 
became expert workmen, and succeeded in making neat arti- 
cles of furniture for their huts. 

The gardens were laid out by John, and the yonng ladies 
assisted in sowing seeds, and planting shrubs and fruit-trees. 
A number of cows were collected in a capacious corral, and 
Nanny and Mrs. Douglas with much difficulty induced the 
women to milk; and Joe, having made churns and cheese- 
moulds, they were next initiated in the mysteries of making 
butter and cheese. The women, naturally disinclined to oc- 
cupation and to cleanliness, were much less tractable pupils 
than the men ; but the persevering and indefatigable Mrs. 
Douglas finally reduced them to submission, and having once 
tasted the fruits of their labors, they became more reconciled 
to the exertion. 

And when the labors of summer and autumn had filled 
their barns with stores for the winter, the Indians were re- 
joiced and grateful to their teachers ; and while hunting with 
the young Europeans, or assisting in their workshops, they ac- 
quired insensibly, from association, the manners, and much of 
the information of their civilized friends. One after another 
the young people came to Mr. Merton for the important in- 
struction that was to fit them to be Christians, and week after 
Week his little congregation increased, the church being 


THE MERTOJf FAMILY. 381 

already eommenced at Amistad for the reception of Mr. Car- 
ruthers. 

Thus the winter passed away in improvement and cheerful- 
ness, and summer brought Mr. Oarruthers again to his anxious 
friends. Amidst the noisy greetings of the happy party, from 
the loud bark of the delighted Wallace to the sweet tones of 
Cecilia, it was some time before any details could be heard 
of dear absent Tom. 

At length they had the satisfaction of learning that he had 
already succeeded in obtaining honorable distinction in hLs 
college, that he was well and happy, and sanguine in the hope 
that he should be permitted to return to them to work good. 
Then came the satisfactory account of the visit to Winston, 
and the great rejoicings of the villagers, many of whom would 
actually have come out to join their beloved pastor in a far 
land ; but Mr. Carruthers did not conceive himself authorised 
to incur such a responsibility in the infant condition of the 
settlement. He had been compelled, however, to undertake' 
the charge of many little remembrances from the poor vil- 
lagers, several pairs of warm woollen knitted stockings for 

the master,” and a number of pots of blackberry jelly for 
“ the mistress.” There was also a large supply of fishing 
flies from Jack’s friend, Dick Evans ; and two young kittens 
— which in the course of their long journey had become cats 
— for Matilda and Mary, from Nanny’s aunt Peggy, happily 
arrived in safety. 

Besides the charge of these gifts, Mr. Carruthers had ful- 
filled the request of Charles, and brought over large packets 
of useful articles for himself and the family ; and to these he 
had added, on his own account, a good supply of the cutlery 
of England for the use of the colony at Amistad, and slates, 
pencils, and books for schools, which he rejoiced to find had 
progressed so wonderfully. He now devoted his time prin- 
cipally to instructing the Indians, and performing the ser- 
vices daily in the church of their settlement, and had the 
satisfaction of believing that his labors were attended with 
success. 

The young Albert, under his many instructora, was re- 
ceiving an excellent education ; he was a quick and intelligent 
boy, and his father consented that he should remain entirely 
with his European friends, to be accomplished in every branch 
of learning and science ; Dr. Lewis intending even to culti- 


382 


ADVENTURES VrANDER;->'JiSi OP 


vate in him a taste for all studies connected with the medical 
art ; for nothing would be more likely to command the 
respect and attachment of his people than this useful branch 
of knowledge. 

On the fiftb anniversary of the first settlement of the Mer- 
tons at Esperanza, a large and happy party assembled at the 
new house. Paul and Anna, who were daily visitors, were 
of course there, and Pedro accompanied them with Zara, and 
the little Christopher, always welcome guests. Pedro had 
been inspecting with astonishment the thriving colony at 
Amistad, and he now said to Mr. Merton : 

•*My heart desires to be near you. Are not you the 
father? Are not these the brothers of Pedro and Zara? 
But the Indians of the Pampas are proud of their independ- 
ence ; they love not the Christian’s law of obedience. The 
old warriors of my tribe are meek-faced and treacherous as 
the jaguar which crouches to spring on its prey. Shall I 
bring the spear of destruction to the dwellings which have 
sheltered my child ? Shall the songs of my sisters, the songs 
which rise to heaven like those of the forest birds in the sum- 
mer morning, be changed to the wail of mourning or the 
shriek of despair? It shall not be, dear father ; my people 
shall remain in the far south, till death calls the old warriors, 
and the young men have been taught by their European 
friends that the true God is a God of peace.” 

Mr. Merton was affected at the discourse of his reflecting 
friend Paul, yet he felt well pleased to hear that he did not 
intend to bring his numerous and formidable tribe into the 
neighborhood, for the good old man could never entirely 
overcome his dread of the wild rovers of the Pampas. Mr. 
Carruthers promised to make frequent visits to the tents of 
the south, and doubted not that a few years would bring the 
peace of Christianity to the tribe. 

The dinner was set out on the lawn before the house, and 
the happy parents looked round on the smiling faces of their 
children with joy and thankfulness. One alone was wanting, 
and he was, they hoped, happily and worthily occupied. 

“ I fear I am a selfish old man,” said Mr. Merton, “ for I 
caunot contemplate the separation from another of my circle 
with ccunposure ; and yet, my Lucy warns me, I must not ex 


THE MERTON FAMILY. 


B83 


poet the young, the adventurous, the ardent spirit to submit 
to this life in the wilderness. The repose that is the bliss of 
age, is irksome and revolting to youth. Tell me, Lewis, 
my faithful friend and counsellor, ought I to ask that you 
should all remain here, far from the pleasures, the improve- 
ments, and the duties of society i” 

Dr. Lewis looked round on the smiling eountenance of his 
young friends, and read the wishes of their hearts. 

“We are not your captives my excellent friend,” answered 
he, “ but your devoted subjects. We have the means and 
the liberty to leave Esperanza when we choose ; but I do not 
see any one anxious to avail himself of the privilege. I can- 
not answer for the young ladies, who are no longer children ; 
they may perhaps wish to see more of the gay world before 
they take upon them the sober duties of life. What does my 
fair philosopher, Matilda say ? Has she no desire to try the 
charms of fashionable circles, and find a new home in one of 
the gay cities of America 

“ This is my home for life ; you cannot doubt it, Lewis,” 
said Matilda, a little reproachfully. 

“ If that be the case,” said Lewis, “ I trust, my dear fa- 
ther, you will make me indeed your son, by bestowing on me 
your good and beloved daughter, M-atilda. You will thus se- 
cure two certain retainers at Esperanza.” 

“ My dear friend,” cried the astonished father, “ you can- 
not be in earnest ! These children are too young to think of 
marriage.” 

“ Why, papa,” answered Jack, amidst the general laugh- 
ter of the circle, “ Matilda is nearly twenty ; and we are all 
of mature years, ajid with your consent, we all intend to found 
separate houses. Maria agrees to take me ; indeed sho has 
no choice, for Charles, as everybody knows, has long been en- 
gaged to Mary.” 

“ Wonderful !” said Mr. Merton ; “ and I really never ex- 
pected such events to take place ; neither I suppose, did 
Lucy ; but probably she was in your secret. Still my dear 
:;hildren, this is a most terrible prospect for your mamma and 
me. We shall be left quite alone.” 

“ Nothing of the sort, papa,” said Jack; “ our tents will 
.surround yours, like those of the patriarchal age, and you 
will be the head of the tribe of Merton. I conclude you 


384 ADVENTURES AND WANDERINGS OP 

have said ‘ yes ’ to us ; so now, Charley, it is your turn to 

And Charles did speak, to the astonishment of Mr. Merton, 
for no one could ever have believed that the day would come 
Charles Villars should petition to remain for life at Epersanza. 
But his dear lively Mary had won him from his taste for the 
pleasures of fashionable society, and rallied him out of the 
little conceits that he had been led into by affluence and indul- 
gence ; and naturally amiable, and attached to his guardian, 
he was now perfectly contented with life at Esperanza. 

“ Now I will not have you speak another word of nonsense 
my good friend,” said Mrs. Douglas. “ It is quite plain the 
dear girls must be settled j and I am quite ready to assist 
them in managing their household matters. We must have 
the houses built and furnished, the wedding-dresses made, 
and the weddings celebrated before winter ; so, the sooner we 
begin work the better. Come, my dears, let us walk round 
and fix our plans, and then just run over my things and see 
what I can spare you.” 

Still, notwithstanding the impatience of the managing lady, 
it was sometime before Mr. and Mrs. Merton could reconcile 
themselves to the sudden step from childhood made by their 
children 5 but they were finally persuaded that the arrange, 
ment was not only reasonable, but most fortunate, a« they 
should thus secure the settlement of their children arounc 
them. And then Mrs. Douglas stepped forward, in all the 
bustle of management, and as she sewed carpets and curtains, 
delivered profound lectures on domestic economy to her hap- 
py and much-amused young friends. 

It is always painful to take leave of a pleasant family with 
whom we have been long intimately associated ; but our time 
is come. We must not even wait for the festivities of the 
weddings, nor for the return of Tom, rich in academic honors 
and pious hopes. We will leave the Indians pTogressing in 
civilization and true knowledge ; while the calm old age ot 
the good Mr. and Mrs. Merton was blessed by the sight of 
the prosperity and happiness of their children, satisfied tha 
the reflecting mind will deduce from the simple narration, tha' 
perseverance and good faith must ever be rewarded with sue 
sess and peace. 


606 


THE END. 


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